Apparatus and methods for spatial and operational differentiation and optimization in a wireless system

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for providing multi-tier quasi-licensed spectrum wireless service via a common wireless access node such as a small-cell. In one embodiment, the quasi-licensed system utilizes multi-sector antennae to create antenna lobes adaptively according to parameters associated with different cell sectors, such as user traffic, random access requests, and/or interference. In one variant, when the user traffic or interference is determined to be very high in a particular sector, the sector is configured and activated based on the availability of low-noise spectrum. In another variant, when a new sector is created, the electrical power resources available for that sector are checked, and based on the amount of power available at that sector, either CBSD Category A or B status is allocated to that sector.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is generally related to the subject matter of co-ownedand co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/873,141filed Jul. 11, 2019, 2019 and entitled “APPARATUS AND METHODS FORHETEROGENEOUS COVERAGE AND USE CASES IN A QUASI-LICENSED WIRELESSSYSTEM,” as well as co-owned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/854,689 filed Apr. 21, 2020 and entitled “SCHEDULED AMPLIFIERWIRELESS BASE STATION APPARATUS AND METHODS,” each of the foregoingwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND 1. Technological Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of wirelessnetworks and specifically, in one or more exemplary embodiments, tomethods and apparatus for dynamically prioritizing and reassigning radiofrequency spectrum and users, such as for example those providingconnectivity via quasi-licensed Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS)technologies.

2. Description of Related Technology

A multitude of wireless networking technologies, also known as RadioAccess Technologies (“RATs”), provide the underlying means of connectionfor radio-based communication networks to user devices. Such RATs oftenutilize licensed radio frequency spectrum (i.e., that allocated by theFCC per the Table of Frequency Allocations as codified at Section 2.106of the Commission's Rules. In the United States, regulatoryresponsibility for the radio spectrum is divided between the U.S.Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the NationalTelecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The FCC, whichis an independent regulatory agency, administers spectrum fornon-Federal use (i.e., state, local government, commercial, privateinternal business, and personal use) and the NTIA, which is an operatingunit of the Department of Commerce, administers spectrum for Federal use(e.g., use by the Army, the FAA, and the FBI). Currently only frequencybands between 9 kHz and 275 GHz have been allocated (i.e., designatedfor use by one or more terrestrial or space radio communication servicesor the radio astronomy service under specified conditions). For example,a typical cellular service provider might utilize spectrum for so-called“3G” (third generation) and “4G” (fourth generation) wirelesscommunications as shown in Table 1 below:

TABLE 1 Technology Bands 3G 850 MHz Cellular, Band 5 (GSM/GPRS/EDGE).1900 MHz PCS, Band 2 (GSM/GPRS/EDGE). 850 MHz Cellular, Band 5(UMTS/HSPA+ up to 21 Mbit/s). 1900 MHz PCS, Band 2 (UMTS/HSPA+ up to 21Mbit/s). 4G 700 MHz Lower B/C, Band 12/17 (LTE). 850 MHz Cellular, Band5 (LTE). 1700/2100 MHz AWS, Band 4 (LTE). 1900 MHz PCS, Band 2 (LTE).2300 MHz WCS, Band 30 (LTE).

Alternatively, unlicensed spectrum may be utilized, such as that withinthe so-called ISM-bands. The ISM bands are defined by the ITU RadioRegulations (Article 5) in footnotes 5.138, 5.150, and 5.280 of theRadio Regulations. In the United States, uses of the ISM bands aregoverned by Part 18 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)rules, while Part 15 contains the rules for unlicensed communicationdevices, even those that share ISM frequencies. Table 2 below showstypical ISM frequency allocations:

TABLE 2 Frequency Center range Type frequency Availability Licensedusers 6.765 MHz- A 6.78 MHz Subject to local Fixed service & mobile6.795 MHz acceptance service 13.553 MHz- B 13.56 MHz Worldwide Fixed &mobile services 13.567 MHz except aeronautical mobile (R) service 26.957MHz- B 27.12 MHz Worldwide Fixed & mobile service 27.283 MHz exceptaeronautical mobile service, CB radio 40.66 MHz- B 40.68 MHz WorldwideFixed, mobile services & 40.7 MHz earth exploration-satellite service433.05 MHz- A 433.92 MHz only in Region amateur service & 434.79 MHz 1,subject to radiolocation service, local acceptance additional apply theprovisions of footnote 5.280 902 MHz- B 915 MHz Region 2 only Fixed,mobile except 928 MHz (with some aeronautical mobile & exceptions)radiolocation service; in Region 2 additional amateur service 2.4 GHz- B2.45 GHz Worldwide Fixed, mobile, 2.5 GHz radiolocation, amateur &amateur-satellite service 5.725 GHz- B 5.8 GHz WorldwideFixed-satellite, 5.875 GHz radiolocation, mobile, amateur & amateur-satellite service 24 GHz- B 24.125 GHz Worldwide Amateur, amateur- 24.25GHz satellite, radiolocation & earth exploration-satellite service(active) 61 GHz- A 61.25 GHz Subject to local Fixed, inter-satellite,61.5 GHz acceptance mobile & radiolocation service 122 GHz- A 122.5 GHzSubject to local Earth exploration-satellite 123 GHz acceptance(passive), fixed, inter- satellite, mobile, space research (passive) &amateur service 244 GHz- A 245 GHz Subject to local Radiolocation, radio246 GHz acceptance astronomy, amateur & amateur-satellite service

ISM bands are also been shared with (non-ISM) license-freecommunications applications such as wireless sensor networks in the 915MHz and 2.450 GHz bands, as well as wireless LANs and cordless phones inthe 915 MHz, 2.450 GHz, and 5.800 GHz bands.

Additionally, the 5 GHz band has been allocated for use by, e.g., WLANequipment, as shown in Table 3:

TABLE 3 Dynamic Freq. Selection Band Name Frequency Band Required (DFS)?UNII-1 5.15 to 5.25 GHz No UNII-2 5.25 to 5.35 GHz Yes UNII-2 Extended5.47 to 5.725 GHz Yes UNII-3 5.725 to 5.825 GHz No

User client devices (e.g., smartphone, tablet, phablet, laptop,smartwatch, or other wireless-enabled devices, mobile or otherwise)generally support multiple RATs that enable the devices to connect toone another, or to networks (e.g., the Internet, intranets, orextranets), often including RATs associated with both licensed andunlicensed spectrum. In particular, wireless access to other networks byclient devices is made possible by wireless technologies that utilizenetworked hardware, such as a wireless access point (“WAP” or “AP”),small cells, femtocells, or cellular towers, serviced by a backend orbackhaul portion of service provider network (e.g., a cable network). Auser may generally access the network at a “hotspot,” a physicallocation at which the user may obtain access by connecting to modems,routers, APs, etc. that are within wireless range.

CBRS

In 2016, the FCC made available Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS)spectrum in the 3550-3700 MHz (3.5 GHz) band, making 150 MHz of spectrumavailable for mobile broadband and other commercial users. The CBRS isunique, in that it makes available a comparatively large amount ofspectrum (frequency bandwidth) without the need for expensive auctions,and without ties to a particular operator or service provider.

Moreover, the CBRS spectrum is suitable for shared use betweengovernment and commercial interests, based on a system of existing“incumbents,” including the Department of Defense (DoD) and fixedsatellite services. Specifically, a three-tiered access framework forthe 3.5 GHz is used; i.e., (i) an Incumbent Access tier 102, (ii)Priority Access tier 104, and (iii) General Authorized Access tier 106.See FIG. 1. The three tiers are coordinated through one or more dynamicSpectrum Access Systems (SAS) 202 as shown in FIG. 1A and Appendix I(including e.g., Band 48 therein).

Incumbent Access (existing DOD and satellite) users 102 includeauthorized federal and grandfathered Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) userscurrently operating in the 3.5 GHz band shown in FIG. 1. These userswill be protected from harmful interference from Priority Access License(PAL) and General Authorized Access (GAA) users. The sensor networks,operated by Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC) operators, make surethat incumbents and others utilizing the spectrum are protected frominterference.

The Priority Access tier 104 (including acquisition of spectrum for upto three years through an auction process) consists of Priority AccessLicenses (PALs) that will be assigned using competitive bidding withinthe 3550-3650 MHz portion of the band. Each PAL is defined as anon-renewable authorization to use a 10 MHz channel in a single censustract for three years. Up to seven (7) total PALs may be assigned in anygiven census tract, with up to four PALs going to any single applicant.Applicants may acquire up to two-consecutive PAL terms in any givenlicense area during the first auction.

The General Authorized Access tier 106 (for any user with an authorized3.5 GHz device) is licensed-by-rule to permit open, flexible access tothe band for the widest possible group of potential users. GeneralAuthorized Access (GAA) users are permitted to use any portion of the3550-3700 MHz band not assigned to a higher tier user and may alsooperate opportunistically on unused Priority Access License (PAL)channels. See FIG. 1A.

The FCC's three-tiered spectrum sharing architecture of FIG. 1 utilizes“fast-track” band (3550-3700 MHz) identified by PCAST and NTIA, whileTier 2 and 3 are regulated under a new Citizens Broadband Radio Service(CBRS). CBSDs (Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices—in effect,wireless access points) 206 (FIG. 2) can only operate under authority ofa centralized Spectrum Access System (SAS) 202. Rules are optimized forsmall-cell use, but also accommodate point-to-point andpoint-to-multipoint, especially in rural areas.

Under the FCC system, the standard SAS 202 includes the followingelements: (1) CBSD registration; (2) interference analysis; (3)incumbent protection; (4) PAL license validation; (5) CBSD channelassignment; (6) CBSD power limits; (7) PAL protection; and (8)SAS-to-SAS coordination. As shown in FIG. 2, these functions areprovided for by, inter alia, an incumbent detection (i.e., environmentalsensing) function 207 configured to detect use by incumbents, and anincumbent information function 209 configured to inform the incumbentwhen use by another user occurs. An FCC database 211 is also provided,such as for PAL license validation, CBSD registration, and otherfunctions.

An optional Domain Proxy (DP) 208 is also provided for in the FCCarchitecture. Each DP 208 includes: (1) SAS interface GW includingsecurity; (2) directive translation between CBSD 206 and domaincommands; (3) bulk CBSD directive processing; and (4) interferencecontribution reporting to the SAS.

A domain is defined is any collection of CBSDs 206 that need to begrouped for management; e.g.: large enterprises, venues, stadiums, trainstations. Domains can be even larger/broader in scope, such as forexample a terrestrial operator network. Moreover, domains may or may notuse private addressing. A Domain Proxy (DP) 208 can aggregate controlinformation flows to other SAS, such as e.g., a Commercial SAS (CSAS,not shown), and generate performance reports, channel requests,heartbeats, etc.

CBSDs 206 can generally be categorized as either Category A or CategoryB. Category A CBSDs have an EIRP or Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Powerof 30 dBm (1 Watt)/10 MHz, fixed indoor or outdoor location (with anantenna<6m in length if outdoor). Category B CBSDs have 47 dBm EIRP (50Watts)/10 MHz, and fixed outdoor location only. Professionalinstallation of Category B CBSDs is required, and the antenna must beless than 6m in length. All CBSD's have a vertical positioning accuracyrequirement of +/−3 m. Terminals (i.e., user devices akin to UE) have 23dBm EIRP (0.2 Watts)/10 MHz requirements, and mobility of the terminalsis allowed.

In terms of spectral access, CBRS utilizes a time division duplex (TDD)multiple access architecture.

Omni- and Multi-Sector Antenna Technology and Related Small-CellChallenges

Extant CBRS architectures typically use omni-directional antennas.Traditional omni-directional antennas uniformly radiate power in alldirections in the horizontal (azimuth) plane. However, this not aneffective coverage solution in many cases, due to often limitedfootprint, and the antenna being prone to interference (therebydegrading overall network performance). Specifically, one disadvantageof using an omni-directional antenna is that the interference isreceived from all directions which could degrade the system performance.

Alternatively, directional multi-sector antennas are a promisingtechnology in wireless networks. A multi-sector antenna divides a 360degrees horizontal plane (or other coverage arc) into N smallersegments. The multi-sector antenna generally radiates power in eachsector in a particular angle optimized for that sector. This directionaland concentrated power radiation in each sector increases thedirectional gain of the antenna, and reduces the effects ofinterference. Therefore, the multi-sector antennas are more efficientthan omni-directional antennas in this regard. The directional powerradiation is typically adjustable such as e.g., by using softwaredefined radio and multiple antennas.

Multi-Sector antennas provide a means of increasing cellular networkcapacity and coverage without using additional frequency spectrum.High-order sectorization is particularly used for cost-effectivehotspots. In these hotspot areas multiple antennas with narrow bandwidthand high directivity gain can be used to increase the overall capacity.For instance, one sector of the cell may be used to serve part of a cellthat has higher traffic, while an overlapping larger sector may be usedto serve in the part of the cell that has lower traffic.

Switched-beam antenna technology is often used in multi-sector antennadeployments. In switched-beam antennas, the base station measures thereceived signal strength, and based on signal strength chooses one ofseveral pre-defined fixed-beam options. Switched-beam antennas combinethe output of multiple antennas in such a way to form a more finelysectorized directional beam than can be achieved in single sectorantenna system.

So-called “smart” antennas are another technology used in multi-sectorantenna systems. The smart antennas use multiple antennas to shape thebeam pattern. The smart antennas use the space dimension to providecontrol over space, and create the desired beam shape. Flexibility andcontrol over the beam shape is achieved through the beamforming processby altering the amplitude and phase of the radiated signals from theindividual antenna elements using software defined radio. Smart antennasprovide maximum power in the desired direction through steering the mainbeam in a chosen angle, while nulls can be steered in the direction ofinterferers.

Despite the foregoing, current omni-directional and multi-sectorantennas and associated base station configurations are not well adaptedto certain use cases or operational considerations/limitations,including for instance availability of certain types of spectrum (whichmay change dynamically over time), user/handover density or variations,available electrical power, and the location of the base station (whichmay not have much forethought or analysis of its placement and installedconfiguration as larger macro-cell devices used in cellular networks doprior to their deployment).

Rather, prior art base station or small-cell configurations generallyare “one size fits all” in terms of sector utilization, and do not havemechanisms for more precise spatial or operational differentiationbetween sectors. Even those with “smart” antennae and beamforming stillsuffer from the disabilities highlighted above, which can in large partbe traced to the need to support ad hoc placement of small-cells (somewhich may even be placed/installed by customers themselves). Statedsimply, commoditized small-cells such as those which might be utilizedby many customers of a given network operator may be placed inchallenging RF and physical locations/environments, have limitedphysical plant resources, and encounter high user count (and userdensity) when used in e.g., more urbanized areas. Other complexitiessuch as available backhaul or service differentiation for differenttypes of users served by a given small-cell may further exacerbate theshortcomings of such prior art small-cells.

Accordingly, there exists a need for apparatus and methodologies toimprove, inter alia, wireless small-cell service and performance, so asto optimize utilization of available spectrum, processing, andelectrical power resources which may each be limited in e.g.,consumer-based small-cell applications.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure addresses the foregoing needs by providing, interalia, apparatus and methods for providing installation-specificheterogeneous (e.g., different types of spectrum, user, served areas,etc.) wireless services using quasi-licensed spectrum such as CBRSspectrum.

In a first aspect of the disclosure, wireless access point apparatus isdescribed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: digital processorapparatus; a wireless transceiver apparatus in data communication withthe digital processor apparatus and comprising a plurality of antennaelements, each of the plurality of antenna element configured to serve arespective azimuth sector; and computer readable apparatus in datacommunication with the digital processor apparatus and comprising astorage medium, the storage medium comprising at least one computerprogram having a plurality of instructions.

In one variant, the instructions are configured to, when executed on thedigital processor apparatus, cause the wireless access point apparatusto: generate and transmit a message to a network entity to obtain one ormore grants to use radio frequency (RF) spectrum of at least a firsttype or of a second, different type; receive one or more grant messagesenabling use of one or more carrier frequencies of the first type of RFspectrum or the second, different type of RF spectrum; and configure theat least one transceiver apparatus to use the one or more carrierfrequencies within only a subset of the plurality of antenna elements,the configuration of the at least one transceiver based at least in parton the one or more carrier frequencies being of the first type of RFspectrum or the second type of RF spectrum.

In one implementation, the network entity comprises at least one of aCBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) domain proxy (DP) or SpectrumAllocation System (SAS); and the first type of RF spectrum comprisesquasi-licensed CBRS GAA (General Authorized Access) spectrum, and thesecond type of RF spectrum comprises quasi-licensed CBRS PAL (PriorityAccess Licensed) spectrum.

In another implementation, the configuration of the at least onetransceiver is further based at least in part on at least one metricrelating to at least one of (i) user traffic density on a per-sectorbasis, or (ii) user device handover frequency or density. In one suchconfiguration, the network entity comprises at least one of a CBRS(Citizens Broadband Radio Service) domain proxy (DP) or SpectrumAllocation System (SAS); and the one or more carrier frequenciescomprise the CBRS PAL spectrum; and one or more sectors of a highest oneof said at least one of (i) user traffic density on a per-sector basis,or (ii) user device handover frequency or density, is preferentiallyassigned said PAL spectrum as part of said configuration.

In a further implementation, the wireless access point further includescomputerized logic in data communication with the data processorapparatus, the computerized logic configured to obtain data relating toat least one electrical power supply in communication with said wirelessaccess point, and utilize the obtained data to determine at least oneaspect of said configuration of the at least one transceiver. Forexample, the at least one transceiver apparatus comprises a plurality oftransceiver apparatus associated with respective ones of said sectors,and said determination of at least one aspect of said configuration ofthe at least one transceiver comprises a determination on whethersufficient electrical power exists to energize a prescribed number ofsaid sectors and associated transceiver apparatus simultaneously.

In another aspect, a method of operating a wireless access pointcomprising a plurality of served sectors is disclosed. In oneembodiment, the method comprises: determining data relating to handoverrequests associated with different wireless cells; based at least on thedetermined data, obtaining data relating to at least one location of atleast one of the different wireless cells; and based at least on theobtained data relating to locations, causing selective activation of atleast one of the plurality of sectors.

In one variant, the method further includes causing registering of atleast a portion of the plurality of served sectors with a networkspectrum allocation entity. In one such approach, the determining datarelating to handover requests associated with different wireless cellscomprises determining one or more physical cell identities (PCIs)associated with respective ones of the different wireless cells; and theobtaining data relating to at least one location of at least one of thedifferent wireless cells comprises contacting the network spectrumallocation entity to obtain data relating to the at least one of thedifferent cells based at least on the determined one or more PCIs.

In another variant, the causing selective activation of at least one ofthe plurality of sectors comprises causing selective activation of atleast one of the plurality of served sectors, the at least one activatedsector encompassing the at least one location in an azimuth of coverageof the at least one activated sector.

In yet another variant, the causing selective activation of the at leastone of the plurality of served sectors comprises: obtaining datarelating to an interference level associated with the at least oneserved sector; and based at least in part on the obtained data relatingto an interference level, causing request of a spectrum grant of atleast one of (i) a first type of generally accessible spectrum; or (ii)a second type of restricted access spectrum. For instance, in one suchapproach, the causing request of a spectrum grant of at least one of (i)a first type of generally accessible spectrum; or (ii) a second type ofrestricted access spectrum comprises: determining based at least on theobtained data relating to an interference level that an interferencelevel of the at least one served sector is greater than a thresholdamount; and based at least on the determining based at least on theobtained data relating to an interference level, causing request of aspectrum grant of the second type of restricted access spectrum only.

In another variant, the method further includes: determining a pluralityof random access requests via a plurality of the served sectors;receiving PCI data from at least one user device; based at least on thereceived PCI data, obtaining data relating to a location associated withat least one PCI; and based at least on the obtained data, causingselective activation of at least one of the plurality of sectorscomprises causing selective activation of at least one of the pluralityof served sectors, the at least one activated sector encompassing thelocation associated with the at least one PCI in an azimuth of coverageof the at least one activated sector.

In a further variant, the method further comprises: obtaining datarelating to at least one electrical power supply capability forelectrical power service to the wireless access point; and utilizing theobtained data relating to the at least one electrical power supplycapability to configure the causing selective activation of at least oneof the plurality of sectors according to either a first power level or asecond power level, the second power level higher than the first powerlevel. For example, in one implementation, the utilizing the obtaineddata relating to the at least one electrical power supply capability toconfigure the causing selective activation of at least one of theplurality of sectors according to either a first power level or a secondpower level comprises using data indicative of sufficient electricalpower to support CBRS Category B CBSD (Citizens Broadband Service RadioDevice) operation to cause activation according to the second powerlevel, the second power at or below a CBRS Category B EIRP (effectiveisotropic radiated power) limit, but above a CBRS Category A EIRP limit.

In another aspect of the disclosure, computer readable apparatuscomprising at least one storage medium is described. In one embodiment,the at least one storage medium comprises at least one computer programconfigured to, when executed on a processing apparatus of a multi-sectorbase station apparatus, cause selective activation of one or moresectors of the multi-sector base station apparatus by at least:registration with a network spectrum allocation entity of each of aplurality of sectors of the multi-sector base station apparatus;obtainment of data relating to at least one PCI (physical cellidentifier) within a coverage area of one or more of the plurality ofsectors; determination of an interference level associated with one ormore of the plurality of sectors; and based at least on the obtaineddata and the determination of interference level, cause issuance of arequest to the network spectrum allocation entity for assignment of aprescribed class of quasi-licensed spectrum to be utilized in asubsequent activation of one or more of the plurality of sectors.

In one variant, the multi-sector base station apparatus comprises a3GPP-LTE (Long Term Evolution) or 5G NR (New Radio) compliant small-celloperated by a cable, terrestrial or satellite multiple systems operator(MSO), and the network spectrum allocation entity comprises a CBRS SAS(Spectrum Allocation System). In one implementation thereof, themulti-sector base station apparatus comprises one of a cluster orplurality of commonly powered small-cells, and the at least one computerprogram is further configured to, when executed, cause the wireless basestation apparatus to: determine an available electrical power level; andbased at least in part on the determined power level; determine anappropriate EIRP level for the subsequent activation of one or more ofthe plurality of sectors.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a computerized wireless accessapparatus configured for providing wireless access to a plurality ofcomputerized wireless-enabled mobile devices via a quasi-licensedportion of a radio frequency (RF) spectrum is disclosed. In oneembodiment, the computerized wireless access includes: a wirelessinterface configured to transmit and receive RF waveforms in twodifferent bands (e.g., PAL and GAA) of the quasi-licensed portion;digital processor apparatus in data communication with the wirelessinterface; a multi-sector antenna apparatus; and a storage device indata communication with the digital processor apparatus and comprisingat least one computer program implementing selective sector evaluationand activation logic.

In one variant, the node comprises a Category A device which operates ator below the 1 W FCC limit. In another variant, the node comprises aCategory B device as well. In some implementations, different sectors ofthe device can be selectively activated as either Category A or CategoryB devices.

In another variant, the at least one computer program is configured to,when executed by the digital processor apparatus: receive a protocolmessage from a computerized network node, the protocol message includinga information element (IE) directed to the wireless access pointspecifying PAL or GAA availability in different areas or sectors of thecell, the message causing the wireless access apparatus to select RFcarriers for different sectors of the antenna apparatus.

In a further implementation, the wireless access point includes a CBRS(Citizens Broadband Radio Service)-compliant CPE such as an FWA. Inanother implementation, the wireless access point includes aCBRS-compliant CBSD based on a 3GPP compliant eNB or gNB.

In an additional aspect of the disclosure, computer readable apparatusis described. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a storage mediumconfigured to store one or more computer programs. In one embodiment,the apparatus includes a program memory or HDD or SSD on a computerizedcontroller device, such as an MSO controller, DP, or SAS entity. Inanother embodiment, the apparatus includes a program memory, HDD or SSDon a computerized access node (e.g., CBSD/xNB or CPE FWA).

In another aspect, an integrated circuit (IC) device implementing one ormore of the foregoing aspects is disclosed and described. In oneembodiment, the IC device is embodied as a SoC (system on Chip) device.In another embodiment, an ASIC (application specific IC) is used as thebasis of the device. In yet another embodiment, a chip set (i.e.,multiple ICs used in coordinated fashion) is disclosed. In yet anotherembodiment, the device comprises a multi-logic block FPGA device. Insome variants, the foregoing IC includes logic implementing selectivesector evaluation and activation for a small-cell having multiplesectors.

In a further aspect, a method for providing wireless spectrum assignmentis disclosed. In one embodiment, the wireless spectrum being allocatedcomprises CBRS-band spectrum within the GAA portion and the PAL portion,and the method includes communicating data between at least one CBSD/xNBand a network spectrum allocation process (e.g., SAS). In one variant,the SAS also communicates data relating power availability to theCBSD/xNB so as to further support spectrum selection.

In another aspect of the disclosure, network apparatus for use within afirst network is disclosed. In one embodiment, the network apparatus isconfigured to generate messaging to one or more devices regarding RFcarrier assignment plans, and includes: digital processor apparatus;network interface apparatus in data communication with the digitalprocessor apparatus and configured to transact data with the one or moreattached devices; and a storage apparatus in data communication with thedigital processor apparatus and comprising at least one computerprogram. In one variant, the network apparatus comprises a CBRS DP(domain proxy) or SAS. In another variant, the network apparatuscomprises a managed network controller process (e.g., MSO-basedcontroller owned and operated by the MSO and disposed within the MSO'snetwork architecture.

In a further aspect of the disclosure, a fixed wireless access (FWA)apparatus for use within a wireless network is disclosed. In oneembodiment, the FWA apparatus comprises a premises device operated by anetwork operator (e.g., MSO) that is configured to communicatewirelessly with one or more CBSD/xNB devices to obtain wireless backhaulfrom the premises. In one variant, the FWA apparatus is configured as aCategory B CBSD CBRS device and is mounted on the user's premises so asto enable the aforementioned backhaul for WLAN or wireline interfaceswithin the premises, and further includes a Category A wireless accesspoint with multi-sector antenna and analysis and scheduling logic. Inone variant, the FWA apparatus is integrated with the wireless accesspoint such that at least one of the sectors is used for wirelessbackhaul to a local CBSD, while the remaining sectors are used forGAA/PAL coverage within a local area (i.e., proximate to the premiseswhere installed).

In another aspect, an antenna apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment,the antenna apparatus includes a plurality of antenna elements eachconfigured to operate at least within a prescribed frequency band (e.g.,3.55-3.70 GHz). In one variant, the plurality of antenna elements isallocated to sectors in a cell. In one implementation the plurality ofantenna elements is configured adaptively according to the user trafficin the sectors in the cell. In another implementation, the centralradiation axis of each element is adjustable so as to enable differentpatterns of coverage by the plurality of sectors in combination.

In a first implementation, the antenna apparatus is configured based onthe number of random access requests in the cell sectors. In a secondimplementation, the antenna apparatus is configured based on the numberof handover requests in the cell sectors. In a third implementation, theantenna apparatus is configured based on inference level in each cellsector.

In a fourth implementation, some of the plurality of antenna elementsmay allocated to “licensed” quasi-licensed band (e.g., PAL), theremaining others the plurality of antenna elements allocated to anon-licensed quasi-licensed band (e.g., GAA).

In yet another implementation, at least one of the antenna elements orsectors is assigned to an outside of a premises or venue, and at leastone of the antenna elements or sectors is assigned to serve an interiorof the premises or venue.

In a further aspect, a method of operating a wireless access point isdisclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: obtaining aninformation element (IE) comprising data relating to an RF (radiofrequency) carrier within a type of frequency band; allocating the RFcarrier to at least one sector in a cell; obtaining the power resourcesamount available for the at least one sector; depending on the amount ofthe power resource availability, determining the wireless access pointcategory (e.g., CBSD category A, B); allocating one or more of pluralityof antenna elements to the at least one sector in the cell; and causingthe modem of the wireless access point to use the RF carrier band on theIE.

In one variant, the IE is generated based at least in part on datareceived from one of a SAS (Spectrum Access System) or a Domain Proxy(DP) indicating the availability of the RF carrier within a GAA (GeneralAuthorized Access) or PAL (Priority Access License) quasi-licensed band.The IE (or another IE) may also contain power availability datagenerated by e.g., the SAS or DP.

In a further variant, each of plurality of antenna elements or subsetsthereof is configured to radiate within a prescribed azimuth value whichcan be the same or different for different antenna elements. Forinstance, in some variants, a single element is used to serve aprescribed sector. In another variant, two or more elements are used toserve a single sector, such as through beamforming. In yet a furthervariant, multiple elements are used to serve multiple sectors.

In a further aspect, a network architecture is disclosed. In oneembodiment, the architecture includes: (i) a domain proxy (DP) orcontroller entity; and (ii) a plurality of Category A and or B wirelessaccess point devices disposed at respective user or subscriber premises.In one variant, the DP/controller negotiates with a SAS to obtain bothGAA spectrum allocation(s) and PAL spectrum allocation(s), generates afrequency use plan, and transmits data relating to the allocationsrelative to the use plan to the various wireless access points so as toimplement the frequency use plan using both PAL and GAA spectrum.

In one implementation, only the PAL spectrum is considered in the useplan, and GAA is freely assigned for e.g., indoor uses.

In another implementation, the frequency plan considers one or moreclusters of geographically proximate small-cells for purposes of, e.g.,mutual interference mitigation and/or coverage overlap.

In yet another aspect, a computerized wireless-enabled user deviceconfigured for quasi-licensed band operation is disclosed. In oneembodiment, the computerized wireless-enabled user device includes: awireless data interface configured to utilize at least first and secondquasi-licensed radio frequency (RF) spectrum; digital processorapparatus in data communication with the first wireless data interface;and a storage device in data communication with the digital processorapparatus and comprising at least one computer program.

In a further aspect, a method of reducing interference is disclosed. Inone embodiment, the method comprises utilizing a first RF spectrum typewithin a first region of coverage of a multi-sector antenna, and using asecond RF spectrum type in a second region of coverage. For instance,the first RF spectrum type may be CBRS GAA spectrum which is expected tobe comparatively “polluted” with multiple unlicensed users, and thefirst region may be an indoor region of a building, the indoor regionhas a limited number of other possible users and being at least partlyshielded from external/exterior unlicensed users. The second RF spectrum(e.g., PAL) is ostensibly more sparsely used, and hence better suited toa higher (prospective) interference environment.

These and other aspects shall become apparent when considered in lightof the disclosure provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graphical illustration of prior art CBRS (Citizens BroadbandRadio Service) users and their relationship to allocated frequencyspectrum in the 3.550 to 3.700 GHz band.

FIG. 1A is a graphical representation of allocations for PAL versus GAAusers within the frequency bands of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a general architecture for theCBRS system of the prior art.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of aCitizens Broadband radio Service Device (CBSD) or CBSD/xNB base stationapparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a functional block diagram illustrating one implementation ofthe radio apparatus of FIG. 3, showing OFDM-based transmitter/receiverchains.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of one exemplary embodiment of a sectorizedantenna apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a graphical illustration of a first exemplary implementationof the sectorized antenna apparatus of FIG. 4, showing the radiationlobes thereof relative to a comparable omni-directional antenna of thesame aggregate EIRP value.

FIG. 4B is a graphical illustration of one implementation of thesectorized antenna apparatus of FIG. 4A, showing the radiation lobesthereof including a lobe shaped to null the interference in a sector.

FIG. 4C is a graphical illustration of a second exemplary implementationof the sectorized antenna apparatus of FIG. 4A, showing the radiationlobes thereof including a lobe shaped for a high traffic sector.

FIG. 4D is a graphical illustration of a third exemplary implementationof the sectorized antenna apparatus of FIG. 4A, showing radiation lobesallocated to different backhauls.

FIG. 4E is a graphical illustration of a fourth exemplary implementationof the sectorized antenna apparatus of FIG. 4A, showing radiation lobesallocated to PAL and GAL frequency spectrum.

FIG. 4F is a graphical illustration of a fifth exemplary implementationof the sectorized antenna apparatus of FIG. 4A, showing radiation lobesallocated to high traffic and low traffic sectors.

FIG. 4G is a graphical illustration of a sixth exemplary implementationof the sectorized antenna apparatus of FIG. 4A, showing radiation lobesallocated to Category A and B CBSD.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplary hybridfiber network configuration useful with various aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5A is functional block diagram illustrating one implementation ofthe base station apparatus as a 3GPP gNB with enhanced DU (DUe).

FIG. 5B is functional block diagram illustrating one implementation ofthe base station apparatus as a 3GPP gNB with enhanced CU (CUe).

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a first exemplary embodiment ofan electrical power domain infrastructure useful with various aspects ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is logical flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of ageneralized method for configuring antenna sectors according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8 is logical flow diagram of an exemplary implementation of themethod of FIG. 7, in the context of a CBRS CBSD small cell, utilizingGAA and PAL spectrum.

FIG. 8A is logical flow diagram of a first exemplary implementation ofthe method of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8B is logical flow diagram of a second exemplary implementation ofthe method of FIG. 8A, based on random access requests.

FIG. 8C is logical flow diagram of a third exemplary implementation ofthe method of FIG. 8A, based on the interference level in a sector.

FIG. 8D is logical flow diagram of a fourth exemplary implementation ofthe method of FIG. 8A, based on user traffic in a sector.

FIG. 9 is logical flow diagram of another exemplary embodiment of amethod for configuring and operating antenna sectors according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a ladder diagram illustrating communication flow betweenCBSD/xNB, SAS, and a power management entity according to one embodimentof the disclosure.

All figures ©Copyright 2019-2020 Charter Communications Operating, LLC.All rights reserved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer tolike parts throughout.

Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer tolike parts throughout.

As used herein, the term “access node” refers generally and withoutlimitation to a network node which enables communication between a useror client device and another entity within a network, such as forexample a CBRS CBSD, a Wi-Fi AP, or a Wi-Fi-Direct enabled client orother device acting as a Group Owner (GO).

As used herein, the term “application” (or “app”) refers generally andwithout limitation to a unit of executable software that implements acertain functionality or theme. The themes of applications vary broadlyacross any number of disciplines and functions (such as on-demandcontent management, e-commerce transactions, brokerage transactions,home entertainment, calculator etc.), and one application may have morethan one theme. The unit of executable software generally runs in apredetermined environment; for example, the unit could include adownloadable Java Xlet™ that runs within the JavaTV™ environment.

As used herein, the term “CBRS” refers without limitation to the CBRSarchitecture and protocols described in Signaling Protocols andProcedures for Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS): Spectrum AccessSystem (SAS)—Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device (CBSD) InterfaceTechnical Specification—Document WINNF-TS-0016, Version V1.2.1. 3,January 2018, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and anyrelated documents or subsequent versions thereof.

As used herein, the terms “client device” or “user device” or “UE”include, but are not limited to, set-top boxes (e.g., DSTBs), gateways,modems, personal computers (PCs), and minicomputers, whether desktop,laptop, or otherwise, and mobile devices such as handheld computers,PDAs, personal media devices (PMDs), tablets, “phablets”, smartphones,and vehicle infotainment systems or portions thereof.

As used herein, the term “computer program” or “software” is meant toinclude any sequence or human or machine cognizable steps which performa function. Such program may be rendered in virtually any programminglanguage or environment including, for example, C/C++, Fortran, COBOL,PASCAL, assembly language, markup languages (e.g., HTML, SGML, XML,VoXML), and the like, as well as object-oriented environments such asthe Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), Java™ (includingJ2ME, Java Beans, etc.) and the like.

As used herein, the term “DOCSIS” refers to any of the existing orplanned variants of the Data Over Cable Services InterfaceSpecification, including for example DOCSIS versions 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 3.0,3.1 and 4.0.

As used herein, the term “headend” or “backend” refers generally to anetworked system controlled by an operator (e.g., an MSO) thatdistributes programming to MSO clientele using client devices. Suchprogramming may include literally any information source/receiverincluding, inter alia, free-to-air TV channels, pay TV channels,interactive TV, over-the-top services, streaming services, and theInternet.

As used herein, the terms “Internet” and “internet” are usedinterchangeably to refer to inter-networks including, withoutlimitation, the Internet. Other common examples include but are notlimited to: a network of external servers, “cloud” entities (such asmemory or storage not local to a device, storage generally accessible atany time via a network connection, and the like), service nodes, accesspoints, controller devices, client devices, etc.

As used herein, the term “LTE” refers to, without limitation and asapplicable, any of the variants or Releases of the Long-Term Evolutionwireless communication standard, including LTE-U (Long Term Evolution inunlicensed spectrum), LTE-LAA (Long Term Evolution, Licensed AssistedAccess), LTE-A (LTE Advanced), and 4G/4.5G LTE.

As used herein, the term “memory” includes any type of integratedcircuit or other storage device adapted for storing digital dataincluding, without limitation, ROM, PROM, EEPROM, DRAM, SDRAM,DDR/2/3/4/5/6 SDRAM, EDO/FPMS, RLDRAM, SRAM, “flash” memory (e.g.,NAND/NOR), 3D memory, HBM/HBM2, and PSRAM.

As used herein, the terms “microprocessor” and “processor” or “digitalprocessor” are meant generally to include all types of digitalprocessing devices including, without limitation, digital signalprocessors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computers (RISC),general-purpose (CISC) processors, microprocessors, gate arrays (e.g.,FPGAs), PLDs, reconfigurable computer fabrics (RCFs), array processors,secure microprocessors, and application-specific integrated circuits(ASICs). Such digital processors may be contained on a single unitary ICdie, or distributed across multiple components.

As used herein, the terms “MSO” or “multiple systems operator” refer toa cable, satellite, or terrestrial network provider havinginfrastructure required to deliver services including programming anddata over those mediums.

As used herein, the terms “MNO” or “mobile network operator” refer to acellular, satellite phone, WMAN (e.g., 802.16), or other network serviceprovider having infrastructure required to deliver services includingwithout limitation voice and data over those mediums.

As used herein, the terms “network” and “bearer network” refer generallyto any type of telecommunications or data network including, withoutlimitation, hybrid fiber coax (HFC) networks, satellite networks, telconetworks, and data networks (including MANs, WANs, LANs, WLANs,internets, and intranets). Such networks or portions thereof may utilizeany one or more different topologies (e.g., ring, bus, star, loop,etc.), transmission media (e.g., wired/RF cable, RF wireless, millimeterwave, optical, etc.) and/or communications or networking protocols(e.g., SONET, DOCSIS, IEEE Std. 802.3, ATM, X.25, Frame Relay, 3GPP,3GPP2, LTE/LTE-A/LTE-U/LTE-LAA, 5G NR, WAP, SIP, UDP, FTP, RTP/RTCP,H.323, etc.).

As used herein, the term “network interface” refers to any signal ordata interface with a component or network including, withoutlimitation, those of the FireWire (e.g., FW400, FW800, etc.), USB (e.g.,USB 2.0, 3.0. OTG), Ethernet (e.g., 10/100, 10/100/1000 (GigabitEthernet), 10-Gig-E, etc.), MoCA, Coaxsys (e.g., TVnet™), radiofrequency tuner (e.g., in-band or 00B, cable modem, etc.),LTE/LTE-A/LTE-U/LTE-LAA, Wi-Fi (802.11), WiMAX (802.16), Z-wave, PAN(e.g., 802.15), or power line carrier (PLC) families. As used herein theterms “5G” and “New Radio (NR)” refer without limitation to apparatus,methods or systems compliant with 3GPP Release 15, and anymodifications, subsequent Releases, or amendments or supplements theretowhich are directed to New Radio technology, whether licensed orunlicensed.

As used herein, the term “SAS (Spectrum Access System)” refers withoutlimitation to one or more SAS entities which may be compliant with FCCPart 96 rules and certified for such purpose, including (i) Federal SAS(FSAS), (ii) Commercial SAS (e.g., those operated by private companiesor entities), and (iii) other forms of SAS.

As used herein, the term “server” refers to any computerized component,system or entity regardless of form which is adapted to provide data,files, applications, content, or other services to one or more otherdevices or entities on a computer network.

As used herein, the term “storage” refers to without limitation computerhard drives, DVR device, memory, RAID devices or arrays, optical media(e.g., CD-ROMs, Laserdiscs, Blu-Ray, etc.), or any other devices ormedia capable of storing content or other information.

As used herein, the term “Wi-Fi” refers to, without limitation and asapplicable, any of the variants of IEEE Std. 802.11 or related standardsincluding 802.11 a/b/g/n/s/v/ac/ax or 802.11-2012/2013, 802.11-2016, aswell as Wi-Fi Direct (including inter alia, the “Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer(P2P) Specification”, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

As used herein, the term “wireless” means any wireless signal, data,communication, or other interface including without limitation Wi-Fi,Bluetooth/BLE, 3G (3GPP/3GPP2), HSDPA/HSUPA, TDMA, CBRS, CDMA (e.g.,IS-95A, WCDMA, etc.), FHSS, DSSS, GSM, PAN/802.15, WiMAX (802.16),802.20, Zigbee®, Z-wave, narrowband/FDMA, OFDM, PCS/DCS,LTE/LTE-A/LTE-U/LTE-LAA, 5G NR, analog cellular, CDPD, satellitesystems, millimeter wave or microwave systems, acoustic, and infrared(i.e., IrDA).

As used herein, the term “xNB” refers to any 3GPP-compliant nodeincluding without limitation eNBs (eUTRAN) and gNBs (5G NR).

Overview

In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure provides improvedmethods and apparatus for providing selective, application-specificwireless coverage via a multi-sector base station, such as one using“quasi-licensed” spectrum provided by the recent CBRS technologyinitiatives.

Exemplary embodiments of the base station apparatus and supportingmethods described herein can advantageously characterize the operatingenvironment of a given base station (including density of users,handover density/rate, RACH requests, and/or interference), anddynamically generate sector-specific activation plans or selectionswhich optimize utilization of the device consistent with SAS-imposedspectrum, radiated power, and physical plant limitations.

In an exemplary embodiment, a sector-configurable base-station forindoor and outdoor coverage is provided. The base station comprisesmultiple antenna sectors, which can be created and individually managedadaptively and in real-time so as to enhance coverage area, increasequality of service, and/or achieve optimal multi-user capacity. In afirst variant, the antenna sectors are created/operated based on one ormore parameters relating to e.g., user density, interference, availablespectrum, and/or available electrical power (or other physical plantlimitations).

For instance, in some configurations, sector instantiation and operationsupports various operating scenarios which may be encountered, such as:(i) when the user densities in different sectors of a cell varysignificantly, including a number of handover requests on a per-sectorbasis (or even generally); (ii) when some cell areas may experiencehigher interference than the other areas; (iii) when the number ofhandover request coming from a particular direction is higher than theother directions; (iv) when number of random access request from the UEstrying to connect to a CBSD/xNB from some sectors are higher than theother sectors; (v) when GAA or PAL is available on a given sector andnot others; and/or (vi) when electrical power or other physical plantlimitations are present.

The exemplary configuration described above provides, inter alia, betteroutdoor coverage due to higher gain and directionality in a given a beam(or group of beams) as compared to an omni-directional antenna, or evenprior art multi-sector antenna arrangements. It further allows forbetter interference control compared with omni-directional antennas thatcan receive interfering signal equally in all directions, as well asconsideration of physical plant limitations such as available electricalpower for the small-cell (such as in applications where a group or“cluster” of small-cells are powered from a common electricalinfrastructure of limited capacity).

In addition, better signal quality is afforded by the ability toselectively make use of “PAL” spectrum such as in high interferenceenvironments. In that GAA spectrum is expected to become highly“polluted” due to unlicensed operation as the technology and deploymentthereof evolves, licensed PAL spectrum (which is available for generaluse only when otherwise unoccupied) is less prone to such interferenceand can enable higher levels of performance, such as for upper-tierusers or subscribers.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

Exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and methods of the presentdisclosure are now described in detail. While these exemplaryembodiments are described in the context of the previously mentionedwireless access points (e.g., CBSDs) associated with e.g., a managednetwork (e.g., hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable architecture having amultiple systems operator (MSO), digital networking capability, IPdelivery capability, and a plurality of client devices), the generalprinciples and advantages of the disclosure may be extended to othertypes of radio access technologies (“RATs”), networks and architecturesthat are configured to deliver digital data (e.g., text, images, games,software applications, video and/or audio) via e.g., broadband services.Such other networks or architectures may be broadband, narrowband, orotherwise, the following therefore being merely exemplary in nature.

It will also be appreciated that while described generally in thecontext of a network providing service to a customer or consumer or enduser or subscriber (i.e., within a prescribed venue, or other type ofpremises), the present disclosure may be readily adapted to other typesof environments including, e.g., outdoors, commercial/retail, orenterprise domain (e.g., businesses), or even governmental uses, such asthose outside the proscribed “incumbent” users such as U.S. DoD and thelike. Yet other applications are possible.

Moreover, while the current SAS framework is configured to allocatespectrum in the 3.5 GHz band (specifically 3,550 to 3,700 MHz), it willbe appreciated by those of ordinary skill when provided the presentdisclosure that the methods and apparatus described herein may beconfigured to utilize other “quasi licensed” or other spectrum,including without limitations above 4.0 GHz (e.g., currently proposedallocations up to 4.2 GHz), C-Band, NR-U, or yet other types of spectrum(including mmWave frequencies above e.g., 40 GHz).

Additionally, while described primarily in terms of GAA 106 spectrum andPAL 104 allocation (see FIG. 1), the methods and apparatus describedherein may also be adapted for allocation of other “tiers” or sub-tiersof CBRS or other quasi-licensed or unlicensed spectrum such as thosereferenced above (whether in relation to GAA/PAL spectrum, orindependently).

Moreover, while various aspects of the present disclosure are describedin detail with respect to so-called “4G/4.5G” 3GPP Standards (akaLTE/LTE-A), such aspects—including allocation/use/withdrawal of CBRSspectrum and other features described herein—are generally accesstechnology agnostic and hence may be used across different accesstechnologies, including without limitation so-called 5G “New Radio”(3GPP Release 15 and TS 38.XXX Series Standards and beyond), as well asMulteFire.

Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will immediatelybe recognized by persons of ordinary skill in the art with reference tothe attached drawings and detailed description of exemplary embodimentsas given below.

Multi-Sector Antenna and Base Station Architecture

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a multi-sector antenna base stationtransmitter architecture 300 according the present disclosure. It willbe appreciated that while exemplary wireless base station or accesspoint apparatus are described herein (e.g., CBRS CBSDs or xNBs), thevarious aspects of the present disclosure can readily be adapted for useon devices which act as clients or user devices. For instance, CBRSfixed wireless apparatus (FWA) can be configured using the sectorizedapproaches described herein, such that certain sectors are used forbackhaul to a service base station or CBSD, while other sectors servelocal UE or other devices as comparatively reduced power levels (e.g.,as a Category A CBSD).

In one variant, the device 300 of FIG. 3 includes one or more networkinterfaces 309, baseband processor 311, CPU 319, multiple transceiverchains 307 including inter alia, D/A and A/D conversion apparatus, RFfront end (e.g., mixers and other related components as required for theparticular technology used for the underlying air interface), poweramplifier (PA), and sector analysis and scheduling logic 335. Individualantenna sectors 337 a-c (each comprising one or more individual antennaelements) are used to transmit the generated RF signals, as well asreceive signals from e.g., user devices such as 3GPP-enabled UEoperating in unlicensed/quasi-licensed bands. Exemplary embodiments ofthe apparatus 300 make use of software-defined radio transceivers thatallow, among other things, dynamically configurable bands and channelson all sectors.

It will be appreciated that the components of the device 300 may beindividually or partially implemented in software, firmware and/orhardware, and may take on any number of different architecturessupporting different multiple access technology (such as e.g., theOFDM-based architecture shown in the example of FIG. 3A describedsubsequently herein).

In the illustrated embodiment, the base station 300 is configured as aCBRS CBSD (i.e., which is compliant with CBRS standards and which isconfigured to operate in 3.550 to 3.700 Ghz range, including GeneralAuthorized Access (GAA) spectrum as well as well as Priority AccessLicense (PAL) spectrum), and utilizes 3GPP-based technology as theunderlying wireless access/air interface technology.

The network interface 309 connects the device 300 to various networkentities such an MSO CBRS or HFC network via a backhaul such as a DOCSISmodem or optical fiber (see FIG. 6).

The illustrated base station 300 includes a baseband processor module311 which processes the digital domain signal (baseband) to betransmitted via the relevant sector(s) to e.g., UEs or CBRS FWAapparatus, as well as processing received signals. For transmission, theRF front end 305 converts the baseband signal to radio frequency signal(e.g., GAA or PAL spectrum), and may include an up-conversion (e.g., toIF) in some architectures. The PA (not shown) converts the low power RF(analog domain) signal from the RF front end 305 into a higher powerradio frequency signal at transmission frequency to drive one or more ofthe antenna sectors.

The analytics and scheduler logic 335 is used to provide a number ofdifferent local functions in support of sector evaluation andutilization, including processing data relating to one or more of: (i)handovers and associated cell values (e.g., PCIs), (ii) interference invarious served sectors, (iii) availability of GAA and/or PAL spectrum;(iv) electrical power or other physical plant limitations; (v)neighboring or “clustered” small cells and their operationalconfiguration/grants; and/or (vi) user or traffic density associatedwith various of the sectors.

It will be appreciated that the analysis and scheduler logic 335 can beintegrated in any of network components or implemented as a separatedevice in the network. In one implementation, the logic 335 may beimplemented entirely in the base station (e.g., CBSD/xNB), includingwithin sub-portions thereof (see e.g., FIGS. 5A and 5B herein, whereinvarying 3GPP 5G NR gNB CU/DU architectures are adapted to thefunctionality of the present disclosure).

In another implementation the logic 335 may be implemented in a networkcontroller, such as one at a local or edge node of the networkoperator's network (e.g., MSO HFC network), or even a core or headendportion thereof—see FIG. 6.

In other implementations, the network logic and local (base station)logic are utilized, with the two processes in data communication withone another over the base station backhaul (e.g., DOCSIS channel(s));e.g., such as via a distributed application or distributed processesexecuting in different environments.

FIG. 3A illustrates one particular implementation of the architecture ofan RF transceiver 350 used in the base station apparatus 300. It will beappreciated that while an OFDM-based radio apparatus having switchedreceiver and transmitter chains is shown, the present disclosure is inno way limited to either OFDM modulation/access schemes, nor switchedchains (or for that matter discrete chains).

As shown in FIG. 3A, the antenna element(s) of the sectors 337 areaccessed by the transmitter or receiver chains via a switching matrix352. For instance, in one variant, the switching matrix 352 allows twoelements 337 to be accessed by the same chain simultaneously, whileother elements 337 are not accessed thereby (see FIG. 3D).Alternatively, individual antenna elements can be accessed individuallyby respective ones of the chains (FIG. 3B). For instance, as discussedelsewhere herein, TDM-based switching may be used for selectivescheduling and/or selective sector activation or beamforming in someapproaches, and/or two or more antenna sectors can be “ganged” such asto support e.g., enhanced spatial coverage or spatial diversity.

It will be recognized that the switching logic in this embodimentselectively channels the transmit signal to the various sector(s) 337based on the inputs from the analytics and scheduler logic 335; however,for the receive operations, the exemplary embodiment may or may notutilize coordination with the operation of the transmitter(s), otherthan that associated with the underlying radio protocols. In many cases,the temporal duration of the activation or scheduling for a given sectoris typically significantly longer that any “transmit/receive” processeswith timeouts, such as e.g., HARQ, the latter which may complete in avery short period comparatively. It will be recognized, however, thatsome level of coordination between transmit activation or scheduling andreceive operations may be employed if desired, consistent with thedisclosure. For instance, activated antenna sector(s) may both transmitand receive when active, and perform neither when de-activated.

It will further be recognized that the switching logic 352 may also becontrolled by an FPGA (e.g., one or more configurable logic blocks orCLBs thereof) or other logic, so as to effectuate the desiredutilization of the antenna element(s) and/or transmitter/receiver chainsof each base station.

In the receiver chain, analog OTA signals are received by the antennaelement(s) 337 and switched to the receiver via the switch 352, wherethey are received by the analog front end 354. They are filtered,down-converted (as needed) such as via IF mixer logic, and converted tothe digital domain by the ADC 356. Channel estimation is performed inthe CE 358, and serial-to-parallel conversion applied 360. Cyclicprefixes are removed at the CP logic 362, and an FFT 364 applied totransfer the signals from the time domain t frequency domain. Parallelto serial conversion is then applied 366, and the resulting signalsdemodulated, decoded, and any FEC 368 applied (e.g., Turbo or LDPC) toextract the baseband data.

Conversely, in the transmitter chain, the FEC, encoding, and modulationare applied 372, S/P conversion performed 374, IFFT applied 376, CPadded 378, P/S conversion applied 380, and the resulting data is thenconverted to the analog domain per the DAC 382 for processing by theanalog front end 384 and transmission via the antenna element(s) 337 byway of the PA, and the switching logic 352.

It will also be appreciated that in some embodiments, utilization of a“scheduled” transmission from each of the different sectors (or groupsof sectors) of the base station may be utilized. For instance, exemplarymethods and apparatus for scheduling transmissions are described inco-owned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/854,689filed Apr. 21, 2020 and entitled “SCHEDULED AMPLIFIER WIRELESS BASESTATION APPARATUS AND METHODS,” which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety, although other methods and apparatus may beused consistent with the present disclosure. Notably, some reduction incross-sector or mutual interference may be obtained as compared to priorart approaches through utilization of some level of transmit chaincoordination or scheduling. Such coordination may include for instancelimiting the ability of adjacent spatial sectors (e.g., those contiguousin azimuth) to transmit simultaneously. While interference due toexternal transmitters (e.g., other CBSDs or UEs with which the BS iscommunicating or otherwise exposed to) is limited and addressed by othermechanisms described herein, control of the different sectors of theinventive BS can reduce interference caused by one transmitting sectornot “polluting” its adjacent sectors while such adjacent sectors arealso transmitting (due to e.g., side or back lobes of the antenna whichmay be mitigated but often not completely eliminated). Since 100%throughput capability is rarely if ever required for all sectorssimultaneously, intelligent management of sector “coordination,” whetheron an inter-base station or intra-base station basis (e.g., where two ormore small-cells are operated by the same operator in comparativelyclose proximity such that they may interfere with each other whencertain sectors of one base station are utilized in conjunction withcertain sectors of another base station), can be used to mitigate suchinterference without undue impact on capacity or throughput of thedevice(s). In cases where to potentially conflicting sectors of one ormore base stations must be utilized, other mechanisms as describedherein may be used as well, such as e.g., obtaining one or more grantsfor PAL spectrum which is typically much less encumbered byinterference.

Moreover, in some implementations, power amp (PA) “sharing” such as thatdescribed in the aforementioned U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/854,689 filed Apr. 21, 2020 and entitled “SCHEDULED AMPLIFIERWIRELESS BASE STATION APPARATUS AND METHODS” may be used within the basestation 300 so as to reduce design and fabrication cost.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of one exemplary embodiment of a sectorizedantenna apparatus useful with various aspects of the present disclosure,showing relative sectors for reference purposes, as well as variousscenarios for nearby devices or environments. As shown, the apparatus300 includes a plurality of sectors 402 a-c each with a correspondingradiator element with azimuth angle of coverage (θ_(n)), with a centralaxis or lobe vector 404 a-c associated therewith, each lobe axis 404 a-cdisposed at a polar angle of ϕ_(n). It will be appreciated that, asexemplified by the various examples described below with respect toFIGS. 4A-4G: (i) the number of sectors can be varied; (ii) the azimuthcoverage of each sector may be varied and/or non-uniform across thesectors; (iii) the polar angle of each center axis may be varied and/ornon-uniform across the sectors; (iv) The EIRP or radiated power of eachsector may be varied and/or non-uniform across the sectors; (v) theshape of the lobe for each sector may be varied and/or non-uniformacross the sectors; (vi) the frequency/carrier assignments of each lobemay be varied and/or non-uniform across the sectors; (vii) intra-sector(lobe) spatial diversity may be used (e.g., a given sector can utilizetwo sub-elements for spatial diversity purposes) and/or non-uniformacross the sectors; and (viii) inter-sector (lobe) spatial diversity maybe used; e.g., two or more sectors can be utilized for spatial diversitypurposes, such as for beamforming, increased coverage via allocation ofredundant data streams to multiple sectors, or increased throughput viaallocation of two or more different data streams to respective differentsectors.

As shown in FIG. 4 and discussed in greater detail below with respect toFIGS. 7-9, the various devices which the CBSD 300 may be in proximity toat any given time include other CBSDs (here CBSDs 1, 2 and 3), as wellas various stationary or moving UE. Some of these UE may be static(i.e., connected to a given CBSD and generally not moving out of cellcoverage), moving for handover from cell to cell (e.g., PCI 3 to PCI 2as shown), or unconnected and requesting random access via establishedprotocols (e.g., 3GPP RACH or similar). Exemplary embodiments of thebase station apparatus 300 described herein can advantageouslycharacterize its environs (including density of users, handoverdensity/rate, RACH requests, and/or interference), and dynamicallygenerate sector-specific activation plans or selections which optimizeutilization of the device 300 consistent with SAS-imposed spectrum andEIRP and electrical power limitations.

FIG. 4A is a graphical illustration of an exemplary implementation of amulti-sector or lobed sectorized antenna apparatus such as that of FIG.4, showing the radiation lobes thereof relative to a comparableomni-directional antenna profile 415 of the same aggregate EIRP value.As shown, since power is radiated only (primarily) within the 8 lobesshown or subsets thereof, greater lobe coverage (radius) is achieved forthe same total EIRP.

In one implementation, the (diagrammatically) antenna lobes 413 areallocated to different cell sectors uniformly, such that each cellsector will receive power from CBSD/xNB equally. Each of the antennalobes 413 may be turned on or off according to e.g., user density,interference in the sectors, number of handovers, number of randomaccess requests, spectrum availability, backhaul capacity, powerresource availability, nearby small-cells within a common cluster, etc.as previously referenced, and discussed in greater detail subsequentlyherein. In addition, the lobe shape and width at each sector maybechanged adaptively according to any change in the above mentionedconditions.

In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 410 of FIG. 4A usesreconfigurable antenna elements that would allow for inter alia,individual change of azimuth, polar angle, and element tilt. Forinstance, in one variant, each element is mounted on a two-axis (degreeof freedom) mount such that it can be rotated in the azimuth plane (ϕ)as well as in a vertical dimension. Change in azimuth coverage (θ) canbe provided using any number of means, such as e.g., use of differentsize/shape antenna elements or waveguides.

Furthermore, the unit may be adjusted vertically (height) via e.g., anattached extensible stand, or placement on a wall-mounted bracket ortray, or even suspended from or mounted to an overhead such as aceiling.

FIG. 4B is a graphical illustration of a second exemplary implementationof the sectorized apparatus of FIG. 4, showing the radiation lobesthereof created so as to maximize the signal-to-interference (e.g.,SINR) in one sector. As shown, there is in this scenario a stronginterference source 425 in one sector (e.g., another CBSD or radiator),and hence the antenna lobe 423 in that sector is optimized (steered orbeamformed, as well as enhanced in transmit power) to maximize theenergy towards the desired users in that sector, and null or offset theinterference to the maximum degree practicable. It will be appreciatedthat the foregoing process may be dynamic as well; e.g., theinterference source may move with time (e.g., the lobe 425 may change inazimuth), and hence the main user lobe 423 can be steered or formed atan appropriate angle, and power adjusted, so as to maintain a desireduseful signal level for the users.

FIG. 4C is a graphical illustration of another exemplary implementationof the sectorized antenna apparatus of FIG. 4, showing radiations lobeswith asymmetric power relative to the radiation lobes 410 of FIG. 4A. Asshown, one lobe 433 in this example is shaped to radiate more power andcover wider area (dispersion) than the other lobes 435. In oneimplementation, the lobe 433 is associated with a cell sector where theuser density in that sector is higher than the sectors associated to theother lobes 435.

Similarly the lobe 433 can be associated to a cell sector where thenumber of handovers in that in that sector are higher than the sectorsassociated to the lobes 435, and/or where the number of random accessrequest in that in that sector are higher than the sectors associated tothe lobes 335.

FIG. 4D is a graphical illustration of another exemplary implementationof the sectorized antenna apparatus of FIG. 4, showing radiation lobesor sectors which are assigned to different backhauls.

As a brief aside, different sectors of a cell may in some use cases beoperated by different network operators, and different backhauls may beassigned to different sectors of the cell. For instance, in a businesspremises or venue (i.e., a café or hotel) with both indoor and outdoorcomponents or portions, which provide heterogeneous coverage indoor andoutdoor, the user traffic inside the premises maybe be different thanthe outside of the premises. Moreover, users situated beyond the outdoorpremises boundary (for instance across the street or a block away) whoare presumably not customers of the small business may require provisionof wireless service. Therefore, the cell sectors outside of the premisesmaybe assigned to an MNO backhaul (i.e. 4G/5G network operator), whilethe sectors inside the venue maybe assigned to an MSO backhaul.Allocating the users in different areas of a cell to different backhaulsrequires some consideration of antenna pattern and sector optimizationaccording to the associated user traffic in different areas of the cell,so as to optimize coverage area and multi-user capacity.

As shown in the exemplary implementation of FIG. 4D, the lobes 441 and445 are allocated to a first backhaul 444, and lobe 443 is allocated toa second backhaul 446. The first and second backhauls 446 and 444 may beoperated by the same or different network operators, and may beheterogeneous in nature (e.g., one wireless, one wireline, etc.).

The allocation of antenna sectors to different backhauls in oneembodiment is dependent on the backhaul capacity. For instance, in oneimplementation, the lobes 441, 445 may be allocated to the outside ofthe premises where user density may be highest, while the other lobe 443may be allocated to the inside of the premises where density may belower (or vice versa). In one scenario, the antenna sectors 441 radiatepower to serve users as shown, and are connected to an MNO backhaul 444,such as wirelessly via a CBRS Category A, B or IEEE Std. 802.16 basestation, or 3GPP 5G NR gNB operating within licensed or quasi-licensedspectrum. In the illustrated embodiment, the central (outdoor) lobecomprises the wireless backhaul (i.e., the lobe 445 is pointed towardits serving cell or CBSD/xNB), while the “indoor” antenna sector 443radiates power from the CBSD/xNB and is backhauled via a DOCSIS cablemodem or other type of wireline backhaul (see discussion of FIG. 6herein), via an HFC cable network. Additionally, the outdoor/indoorlobes may have asymmetric power as shown, or symmetric power, and may bevaried dynamically as previously described.

FIG. 4E is a graphical illustration of a further exemplaryimplementation of the sectorized antenna apparatus of FIG. 4, showingdifferent radiation lobes allocated to GAA and PAL frequency spectrum.As shown, since in some sectors GAA spectrum is available, the antennalobe 455 is created and assigned to GAA spectrum. In the other sectorswhere the PAL spectrum is available, the lobes 453 are assigned to PALspectrum. As discussed elsewhere, the assignment of GAA vs. PAL spectrummay be based on e.g., (i) spatial considerations, such as where one typeof spectrum is better suited to one spatial application versus the other(e.g., the interior of a premises may be best suited for low-power,unlicensed GAA while PAL is better suited for external, longer-rangeapplications), (ii) user/data application considerations, such as fordifferent tiers of subscribers, different QoS or latency requirements,or similar; (iii) different interference environments (e.g., PAL, beingrestricted in users, necessarily is “cleaner” and hence generallyperforms better in higher interference environments); and/or (iv)available power (e.g., the CBSD 300 may be limited in electrical power,and hence can only sustain Category A operation which may lend itselfbetter to one type of spectrum versus another.

Similarly, FIG. 4F illustrates allocation 460 based on traffic (e.g.,total user throughput). In this instance, the higher traffic sectors 463may be allocated higher transmit power (as shown by the asymmetric sizedlobes relative to the low traffic sector(s) 467. Note that this can alsobe combined with PAL/GAA assignment; e.g., higher traffic sectors canalso be allocated “cleaner” PAL spectrum since mutual interferencebetween the higher user density (presumed to be proportional to thetraffic load) is also presumed to be higher.

FIG. 4G is a graphical illustration of another exemplary implementationof the sectorized antenna apparatus of FIG. 4, showing radiation lobeswith asymmetric power relative to the radiation lobes 410 of FIG. 4Aallocated to CBSD/xNBs with Category A and B. In this implementation,the allocation of the lobes to CBSD/xNB category A and B is determinedbased on available power resource at each sector. For instance, asshown, the lobes 463 are allocated to a category B (EIRP<47 dBm), andlobe 467 is allocated to a category A (EIRP<30 dBm).

Service Provider Network

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary MSO network architecture for thedelivery of packetized data (e.g., encoded digital content or other datacarried within a packet or frame structure or protocol) within which thebase station apparatus 300 may be used.

It will be appreciated that while described with respect to such networkconfiguration, the methods and apparatus described herein may readily beused with other network types and topologies, whether wired or wireless,managed or unmanaged. Therein further lies another advantage of theinventive base station; i.e., by being commoditized and widelydistributable to varying types of customers/subscribers, it can be usedin conjunction with a variety of different types of backhauls availableat the subscriber's premises to significant effect with a minimum ofcomplexity.

The exemplary service provider network 500 is used in the embodiment ofFIG. 5 to provide backbone and Internet access from the serviceprovider's wireless access nodes (e.g., CBSD/xNBs, Wi-Fi APs, FWAdevices or base stations operated or maintained by the MSO), and one ormore stand-alone or embedded cable modems (CMs) 533 in datacommunication therewith. In the illustrated deployment of FIG. 5, thebase stations 300 are configured as CBSD/xNB devices operating usingunlicensed/quasi-licensed spectrum, such as to serve customers of asmall business concern (e.g., pizza or coffee shop) via theirtechnology-compliant handsets or tablets 511, 513, or to servenon-business subscribers at e.g., an expansive home or agriculturalproperty. Numerous other applications will be recognized by those ofordinary skill.

The individual CBSD/xNBs 300 are backhauled by the CMs 533 to the MSOcore via e.g., CMTS or CCAP MHAv2/RPD or other such architecture, andthe MSO core 519 includes at least some of the EPC/5GC core functionspreviously described, as well as an (optional) analytics and schedulercontroller process 521 as shown. The controller process is oneembodiment a network-based server which communicates with the variousdevices 300 so as to effect various functions including the selectivesector evaluation and activation/deactivation scheduling logic describedelsewhere herein. As previously referenced, the controller 519 (whichmay be e.g., an 5G NR CUe per FIG. 5B) can communicate with the basestations 300 via the primary backhaul (DOCSIS) when operational.

Moreover, the base stations 400 may also communicate with CPE/FWA 1005,or the base stations 300 themselves may assume the role of CPE/FWA, suchas where the base station uses e.g., one sector to communicate with aparent or serving CBSD (using e.g., PAL), and other sectors for servinglocal users/UE via e.g., GAA spectrum. In such cases, client devices 511such as tablets, smartphones, SmartTVs, etc. at each premises are servedby respective WLAN routers 507, CPE/FWA 505, or directly by theCBSD/xNB.

Distributed gNB Architectures

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, various embodiments of a distributed(CU/DU) gNB architecture according to the present disclosure aredescribed. As previously noted, in some implementations, the basestation 300 of FIG. 3 may be configured as a 3GPP 5G NR compliant gNodeB(gNB). As such, multiple distributed units (DUs) within the gNB modelmay be coordinated or controlled by a common controller unit (CU). Insome variants, the base station 300 previously described may be embodiedas one of the multiple controlled DU (i.e., a DUe or enhanced DU)deployed at e.g., a venue or customer premises as a group (e.g., two ormore) small-cells each with, inter-alia, selective multi-sectorcapabilities as described herein (FIG. 5A). Alternatively, functions ofthe base station 300 such as the sector analysis and scheduling logic335 may be embodied within an enhanced CU (DUe) which may be disposedlocally or remote from the controlled DU (FIG. 5B).

As shown in FIG. 5A, a first architecture 500 includes a gNB 500 havinga CU (CU) 533 and a plurality of enhanced DUs (DUe) 536. As describedelsewhere herein, these enhanced entities are enabled to permitefficient sector evaluation and instantiation/teardown, scheduling, andeven inter-DUe coordination, whether autonomously or under control ofanother logical entity (such as the CU, or NG Core 530 with which thegNB communicates, or components thereof).

The individual DUe's 536 in FIG. 5A communicate data and messaging withthe CU 533 via interposed physical communication interfaces 528 andlogical interfaces 531. Such interfaces may include a user plane andcontrol plane, and be embodied in prescribed protocols such as F1AP. Itwill be noted that in this embodiment, one CU 533 is associated with oneor more DUe's 536, yet a given DUe is only associated with a single CU.Likewise, the single CU is communicative with a single NG Core, such asthat operated by an MNO or MSO. Each NG Core 530 may have multiple gNBs500 associated therewith.

In the architecture 550 of FIG. 5B, the gNB includes sectorized DUe 556,with the sector analysis and scheduling logic 335 disposed within theCUe 553, such that the CUe analyzes and schedules each of the relevantsectors for each associated DUe (and potentially DUe of other gNBs)collectively. This approach has the advantage of, inter alia, giving theCUe analytics and scheduler process 335 a “high level” view of the ID,handovers/PCIs, spectrum allocation, interference, user load, etc. ofeach individual DUe 556 (the latter which may be disposed proximate oneanother with at least some overlap of one or more sectors, or atdisparate locations having little if any sector overlap). Hence, the CUein FIG. 5B can coordinate the activities (including scheduling) of twoor more DUe such that for instance mutual interference between twosectors of adjacent (overlapping) DUe is minimized, thereby alsoreducing transmission power requirements.

It will also be appreciated that while described primarily with respectto a unitary gNB-CU entity or device as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, thepresent disclosure is in no way limited to such architectures. Forexample, the techniques described herein may be implemented as part of adistributed or dis-aggregated or distributed CU entity (e.g., onewherein the user plane and control plane functions of the CU aredis-aggregated or distributed across two or more entities such as a CU-C(control) and CU-U (user)), and/or other functional divisions areemployed.

It is also noted that heterogeneous architectures of eNBs or femtocells(i.e., E-UTRAN LTE/LTE-A Node B's or base stations) and gNBs may beutilized consistent with the architectures of FIGS. 5A and 5B. Forinstance, a given DUe may act (i) solely as a DUe (i.e., 5G NR PHY node)and operate outside of an E-UTRAN macrocell, or (ii) be physicallyco-located with an eNB or femtocell and provide NR coverage within aportion of the eNB macrocell coverage area, or (iii) be physicallynon-colocated with the eNB or femtocell, but still provide NR coveragewithin the macrocell coverage area.

Power Architecture

Referring now to FIG. 6, one embodiment of an electrical powerdistribution architecture according to the disclosure is shown anddescribed. It will be appreciated that while described in the context ofelectrical power distribution and management, the architecture andmethodologies described herein may be readily adapted by those ofordinary skill to other types of physical plant services orinfrastructure which may support operation of the base station apparatus300.

As a brief aside, another aspect of small-cell deployment and use iselectrical power provisioning. Often, such small-cell devices arelimited in terms of electrical power that can be supplied thereto,whether due to limitations of a customer's premises wiring, otherelectrical demands on the power supply (such as e.g., a common powersupply being used to supply multiple small-cells simultaneously). Assuch, various aspects of the service of a small-cell may be limited byelectrical power availability, which may also vary as a function ofe.g., time of day, load, etc.

Accordingly, the architecture 600 of FIG. 6 includes a power domain 653having a local power supply entity 657 which is coupled electrically toan electrical grid or other source of power such as solar panels,storage battery, etc. Power inverter and rectifier components of thetype normally sued with such sources (depending on type/configuration)are not shown for simplicity. The PSE 657 supplies power (e.g., singlephase 115 VAC or 220VAC, although other voltages and types may be used)to each of the CBSD/xNB apparatus 300, each serving respective RFcoverage areas 655 a-655 c.

As described previously with respect to FIG. 5, each of the basestations 300 is backhauled to the MSO core via a DOCSIS modem 533 andsupporting infrastructure (e.g., CMTS, CCAP RPD, etc.), for distributionof data originating from the base stations 300, and for delivery of datathereto from e.g., external sources. In the illustrated embodiment, thePSE 657 is also backhauled in the control plane (data) by a DOCSIS modemto the MSO core and ultimately the SAS 202, although it will beappreciated that other types of backhauls may be used, includingwireless links, and whether operated by the MSO or otherwise. Forinstance, in one variant, the PSE 657 establishes data connectivity withthe SAS via a an LTE or 5G NR modem and separate cellular serviceprovider, or even a low bandwidth and long range LoRaWAN connection, oreven a satellite-based link.

In operation, the PSE and SAS communicate data regarding power supplycapacity, configuration, and availability, such that the SAS canmaintain data useful to, inter alia, the base stations 300 fordetermining available power as described elsewhere herein. In theillustrated scenario of FIG. 6, a “cluster” (here three) CBSDs 300 areserved power by the PSE, and as such the finite electrical powerresources of the PSE can act as a limitation, especially where thenumber of devices 300 in the cluster grows. Data maintained by the SAScan be provided (e.g., via normal spectrum grant communicationmechanisms or the like) to the base stations or their MSO networkcontrollers 519 where used (see FIG. 5) based on e.g., arequest/response or data push protocol. As such, the local analytics andschedule logic 335 of each base station 300 can selectively configureand activate various of its sectors based on, among other things,electrical power limitations which may be present.

It will also be recognized that as shown in FIG. 6, some of the RFcoverage areas for the various small cells 300 may overlap with oneanother, and some may not. This is an artifact of the previouslyreferenced often ad hoc placement of the small-cells by customers orinstallers; cell planning and similar activities traditionallyassociated with macro-cells are typically not utilized with small-cellplacement, and hence a veritable patchwork of cell placements may occur,including in relation to macro-cell and other larger CBSDs (e.g., thoseused by the MSO for wireless backhaul for FWAs and similar). Hence, theSAS 202 in FIG. 6 may also maintain data relative to (i) geographiclocation of the small-cells 300 when installed (e.g., LAT/LON); (ii)type or power rating of each (e.g., Category A or B); (iii) geographiclocation of macro-cells or Category B CBSDs or other sources); (iv)frequency and power level data associated with the foregoing cells orother sources, where known; and (v) cell identifier data such as PCIs,as well as the aforementioned electrical power supply availability data.As such, each base station 300, through its data backhaul andconnectivity to the SAS (or DP), can obtain useful data regardingsurrounding cells, physical plant limitations, and the like by which thelogic 335 can make selective sector assignments and establish sectorconfiguration, including dynamically. Further, any network-levelprocesses such as the controller 519 can coordinateselection/configuration of e.g., small-cells within a common cluster soas to optimize their service and mitigate inter-device interference.

Methods

Methods for utilizing wireless access point or base station apparatusaccording the present disclosure are now described with respect to FIGS.7-9.

Referring now to FIG. 7, one embodiment of a generalized methodology 700of multi-sector base station management and operation is shown anddescribed.

At step 703 of the method 700, the base station (e.g., CBSD/xNB, FWA, orother small-cell) powers up, and registers to the cognizant networkprocess or entity (e.g., DP or SAS for CBRS, depending on configuration)per step 705. As described below, in some embodiments, the BS 300enumerates its individual available sectors and registers eachindividually with the SAS 202.

At step 705, the BS 300 turns on a preselected number (N) of antennasectors, such as N sectors towards cell(s) with highest user traffic, orsectors having predefined desired coverage (e.g., one sector inside, onesector outside).

At step 707, the BS 300 obtains data on different cell sectorsparameters such as user traffic associated with the different sectors,number of handover requests from different cells, number of randomaccess requests from different cells, interference in each sector,availability of physical plant resources, and availability of RFspectrum in each sector. Such data may be obtained via directmeasurement by the BS 300, from a measurement or data proxy, and/or yetother sources.

At step 709, the base station requests the location(s) of one or morecells (e.g., based on PCI) from the network entity. These one or morecells may be selected based on the prior obtained data for each of thesectors per step 707. For example, the BS 300 may determine that a givensector is a putative “hot spot” for user activity based on a largenumber of RACH attempts/requests.

At step 711, the network entity sends location (e.g., LAT/LONinformation) for each cell of interest to the BS 300.

At step 713, the BS 300 activates one or more new sectors towards thecells of interest, such as e.g., those with the highest traffic, highestRACH numbers, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 8, one implementation of the general methodology700 of FIG. 7 is shown and described, in the exemplary context of a CBRSsmall-cell CBSD utilizing underlying 3GPP LTE or 5G NR protocols andtechnology within quasi-licensed CBRS spectrum (i.e., 3.55 to 3.70 GHz).

At step 803 of the method 800, the CBSD/xNB powers up, and registers tothe cognizant network process or entity (e.g., DP or SAS) per step 805.As described below, in some embodiments, the CBSD 300 enumerates itsindividual available sectors and registers each individually with theSAS 202.

At step 805, the CBSD 300 turns on a preselected number (N) of antennasectors, such as N sectors towards cell(s) with highest user traffic, orsectors having predefined desired coverage (e.g., one sector inside, onesector outside). These sectors may be determined by e.g., the analyticsand schedule logic 335 of the device 300 at time of power-up,pre-programmed in device firmware, or even received via the backhaulfrom a network process such as the controller 519 if present.

At step 807, the CBSD 300 obtains data on different cell sectorsparameters such as user traffic associated with the different sectors,number of handover requests from different cells based on PCI, number ofrandom access requests (e.g., RACHs) from different cells, interferencein each sector, availability of electrical power resources forsupporting operation in each sector, and availability of spectrum ineach sector.

At step 809, the CBSD requests the location(s) of one or more cellsbased on PCI, from the SAS/DP. These one or more cells may be selectedbased on the prior obtained data for each of the sectors per step 807.

At step 811, the network entity sends location (e.g., LAT/LONinformation) for each cell of interest to the CBSD 300.

At step 813, the CBSD 300 activates one or more new sectors towards thePCI(s) of interest, such as e.g., those with the highest traffic,highest RACH numbers, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 8A, a first particular implementation of themethod 800 according to the present disclosure is described in detail,specifically with respect to step 816 of FIG. 8.

At step 817, the CBSD determines (e.g., measures) a number of handoverrequests from different PCIs in the network. In one embodiment, thenumber of handover requests are measured by ‘handover’ messages withinthe underlying (e.g., 3GPP) protocols triggered by the base station, andhandover messages exchanged between the user equipment (UE) and basestation. In some variants, the base station logic 335 can be configuredto determine a handover density (e.g., number of handovers per aprescribed sector or azimuth per unit time) as a metric used inevaluating the handover aspects according to the method 800.

At step 819, the CBSD evaluates whether the number of handovers in asector is higher than a prescribed threshold, and if higher proceeds tostep 821 to facilitate creation of a new sector towards that PCI. Itwill be appreciated that other criteria may be used as well, whetheralone or in conjunction with the foregoing, such as e.g., where a rateof new access requests exceeds a prescribed value within a prescribedtime (irrespective of a total number received), or where a certain typeof access request is determined to a exceed a threshold (e.g., onlythose occurring according to a prescribed protocol or within a certainprescribed temporal window).

At step 821, the CBSD requests the location of the target PCI(s) (i.e.,those with number of handover requests that are higher than thethreshold) from the SAS.

At step 823, the SAS sends the PCI location information to the CBSD 300.

At step 825, the CBSD checks with the SAS (or PSE 657) for theavailability of electrical power resources or limitations. For instance,since there is limited amount of electrical power that can be allocatedto a given CBSD cluster, the SAS/PSE determines the power status, andthe SAS determines whether Category A or B operation can be allocated tothe sector(s) per step 827.

Lastly, the CBSD creates new sectors, and shapes the antenna lobeaccordingly (e.g., where beamforming or other techniques are used)towards those PCIs that e.g., meet the “trigger” criteria such as ahigher number of handover requests than the threshold.

Referring to FIG. 8B., a second implementation of the method 800 (step816) is now shown and described in detail.

At step 829, the CBSD measures or determines a number of random accessrequests from different PCIs in the network. For instance, in onevariant, the CBSD receives data from UE making a RACH request indicatinga last PCI which that UE identified or communicated with. As such, whenthe CBSD obtains a suitable amount of such data, it can generate e.g., ahistogram or similar data correlating RACH attempts to specific PCIs.

At step 830, the CBSD checks whether the number of random access requestin a given sector or sectors is higher than a threshold, and if higherproceeds to step 831 towards the ultimate creation a new sector towardsthe PCI(s) of interest (i.e., those with access requests exceeding thethreshold).

At step 831, the CBSD requests location data for PCIs having randomaccess requests that are higher than the threshold, from the SAS.

At step 832, the SAS sends the PCI location data to the CBSD.

At step 833, the CBSD checks with the SAS or PSE for the availability ofpower resources.

Referring now to FIG. 8C, a third implementation of the method 800 (step816) is shown and described in detail.

At step 839, the CBSD measures or otherwise determines (such as via ameasurement proxy device) interference for each sector of its antennaarray.

At step 841, the CBSD logic 335 determines if the determinedinterference in any sector is higher than a prescribed threshold ormeets one or more other criteria such as instability. If theinterference in a sector is higher than the threshold or meets therelevant criteria, the method proceeds to step 843, wherein the CBSDrequests PAL spectrum from the SAS 202. If the PAL spectrum is availableper step 845, the SAS grants the PAL for use by the CBSD (e.g., for oneor more specific sectors thereof) per step 847.

In one implementation, the SAS grants particular PAL spectrum for theCBSD/sector(s) having the highest distance in the frequency domain fromthe adjacent sectors. For example, in one approach, the SAS includesalgorithms which determine registered adjacent sectors (if any) andcalculates a putative carrier or carriers for use by the targetsector(s) based on a maximization of those carriers from carriers beingutilized by the adjacent sectors; i.e., where all frequency “proximity”values are maximized, so as to mitigate potential interference. Inanother approach, the SAS may look at recently relinquished or withdrawnPAL spectrum within certain pre-designated bands as a pool of possiblecandidates.

It will also be appreciated that PAL assignments may be based on otherconsiderations (e.g., in combination with the foregoing selectionroutines), such as e.g., spatial considerations or plans. For example,in one embodiment, the SAS may assign PAL spectrum to outdoor sectors,and GAA spectrum to indoor sectors such as shown in FIG. 4E (or viceversa). Similarly, PAL may be assigned only for use with certainbackhauls modalities (FIG. 4D), whether as the backhaul or as theuser/CBSD spectrum that is being backhauled by another means.

Returning to FIG. 8C, at step 846, if PAL spectrum is not available forthe requesting CBSD/sector(s), the CBSD obtains GAA spectrum for therelevant sector(s), and subsequently determines if further interferencemitigation is available/appropriate. Since (unlicensed) GAA is typicallymuch “dirtier” spectrum than (“licensed”) PAL, many user or otherdevices may be operating therein. As such, active or passiveinterference mitigation per step 848 may be used when operating in GAA,such as active interferer avoidance algorithms (e.g., dynamicallyswitching bands to those least impacted), increase of transmit power,change of modulation/coding scheme or MCS, use of (greater) spatialdiversity, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 8D, yet another implementation of the method ofFIG. 8 (step 816) is described in detail.

At step 849, the CBSD measures user traffic for each of its sectors (ora prescribed subset thereof). In one embodiment, traffic load in asector is determined using any combination of data relating to: (i) DLphysical resource block (RB) usage; (ii) the number of connected usersin a sector (based on e.g., individual UE identifiers); (iii) ULphysical RB usage; and/or (iv) the number of scheduler users, althoughother metrics may be used consistent with the disclosure.

At step 851, the CBSD logic 335 determines if the interference in asector (or any sector in some embodiment) is higher than a thresholdvalue. If the interference in the sector(s) of interest is higher thanthe threshold, the method proceeds to step 853, wherein the CBSDrequests PAL spectrum from the SAS 202. If the PAL spectrum is availableper step 855, the SAS grants the PAL for use by the CBSD (e.g., for oneor more specific sectors thereof) per step 857.

At steps 856, 863, and 865, if PAL spectrum is not available for therequesting CBSD/sector(s), the CBSD obtains GAA spectrum for therelevant sector(s). Interference mitigation (as previously described)may also be used if desired to optimize the GAA spectrum operation.

FIG. 9 is logical flow diagram of another exemplary embodiment of amethod for configuring and operating antenna sectors according to thepresent disclosure. As shown, the method 900 includes first having theCBSD 300 register with the SAS, including provision of its location(e.g., LAT/LON), such via data obtained from an indigenous GPS receiver(see FIG. 3), or from an external or other positioning system (e.g.,based on association with one more access nodes or network nodes, basedon user entry of data, or other).

Next, per step 905, the CBSD activates certain sectors; e.g., one ormore inside sectors, and one or more outside sectors in the exemplary“inside-outside” models of FIGS. 4E-4G. The prescribed activationsectors may be varied, include all sectors, or just a subset of allsectors, depending on configuration.

Per step 907, the CBSD obtains and sends data for each of the activatedsectors to the SAS. The data may also include absolute or relativeazimuth data, as well as elevation/tilt data where applicable. This typeof data gives the SAS an idea of the lobe geometry of the sector forpurposes of, e.g., interference modeling or calculation in someembodiments.

Per step 909, the CBSD measures or enumerates handover requestsoriginated from various of its sectors. In one approach, PCI valuesassociated with each cell which are encompassed by a given sector arereported to the CBSD, such as from a UE or other device making thehandover request. As such, the CBSD can gather statistics for e.g., agiven period of time on handover requests between a number of differentcells within its coverage sectors.

Per step 911, the CBSD requests location data (e.g., LAT/LON) from theSAS on one or more cells based on the PCIs obtained while aggregatingthe handover request data.

In step 913, responsive to the CBSD request of step 911, the SAS sendsthe location data, and may also send data on the individual devices suchas e.g., other CBSDs, individual sectors thereof, etc., including fore.g., the azimuth/tilt data previously referenced (yet for the otherdevice(s)).

Once the CBSD processes the received data (whether alone or inconjunction with e.g., a network controller 519 as shown in FIG. 5), itgenerates a sector activation “plan” or selection, and based thereon,contacts the SAS (or PSE directly) for determination of availablephysical plant services (e.g., power) or limitations thereon aspreviously discussed, per step 915.

Per step 917, the CBSD activates—subject to any limitations of step915—a first new sector in its generated selection or plan. In oneembodiment, this corresponds to one or more selected PCIs from step 911.

Per step 919, the CBSD then (or at a later time) measures random access(e.g., 3GPP RACH) requests from UEs associated with the differentsectors of the device 300. These may be e.g., on a per-sector basis,such that the CBSD can characterize its “RACH” environment as a functionof azimuth.

Based thereon, the CBSD then generates an updated selection/plan,contacts the SAS or PSE to update any physical plant limitations (step921), and then activates a second (new) sector for the one or moreselected PCIs associated with the target sector(s).

Per step 923, the CBSD activates a second (new) sector for one or moretarget PCIs

Lastly, per step 925, the CBSD measures (or otherwise obtains data, suchas from another device or via a backhaul connection) interference forthe activated sector(s). If the interference level is above a prescribedthreshold or exhibits other characteristics (e.g., high instability),then the CBSD may request to be granted noise-optimized spectrum such ase.g., CBSD PAL, so as to mitigate the interference and/or reduce itsrequisite transmission power to achieve a desired SINR at one or moretarget devices within the target sector(s).

It will be appreciated that various steps of the methods of FIGS. 8-9discussed above (including portions thereof) may be performedcollectively, such as or in parallel with one another. Moreover, thoseof ordinary skill given this disclosure will readily appreciate that thelogic of the various methods may be combined and/or permuted in order,so as to e.g., achieve a particular design or operational objective orscenario. For instance, in some applications, only a subset of theforegoing parameters (e.g., traffic, handover frequency, RACH accesses,etc.) may be considered as part of the sector configuration andschedule/operation logic. In other applications, the use or lack of useof any such parameters may be predicated on outcomes of processesassociated with one or more other parameters.

FIG. 10 is a ladder diagram illustrating the communication flow betweenCBSD, SAS, and Power plant. As illustrated, at power-up, the basestation (e.g., CBSD) 300 first registers with the network (e.g., SAS202) per step 1002, and then enumerates its sectors and determines whichsectors are available, and sends this data to the SAS 202 per step 1004.Based thereon, the CBSD and sectors are registered with the SAS andregistration confirmed per step 1006. Sector IDs may be requested foreach of the identified sectors from the SAS 202, and the IDs (if)received by the base station are stored e.g., locally in mass storage.

Next, the CBSD sends a request to the SAS 202 for one or more sectorcategories (e.g., Category A or B CBSD) per step 1008. For instance, theCBSD may want to activate a sector as a Category A CBSD, and requires atleast permission from the SAS to operate at the prescribed power level.

Per step 1010, in one embodiment the SAS requests data on availablepower necessary to support the requested category from the PSE 657. Itwill be appreciated that while the SAS is shown communicating with thePSE in the illustrated embodiment, other approaches may be used, such aswhere the requesting CBSD has direct or indirect access to the PSE(aside from the SAS), and does not require the SAS to act as its “powerproxy.” Alternatively, the PSE may periodically push power availabilitydata to the SAS and/or CBSD. Yet other approaches will be recognized bythose of ordinary skill given the present disclosure.

Per step 1012, the PSE responds to the SAS with either a YES (1012) inwhich case per step 1014 the CBSD is informed to turn on the requestedsector as the selected Category (Cat. A in this example). Alternatively,if no power is available (or insufficient power is available, such aswhere the CBSD requests Cat. B operation and the PSE does not indicatesufficient power available), then per steps 106 and 1018, the CBSD isinformed that the sector cannot be energized as requested, and a backofftimer or similar mechanism is used for a subsequent re-attempt, or otherlogic is implemented (such as for example fallback to a lower or defaultrequest/power level).

It will be appreciated that while substitution of GAA for PAL spectrumwhen the latter is not available is but one possible logical constructthat may be used by the controller logic 476 of the access point 470.For instance, in another variant, the logic may simply utilize atry-and-wait scheme for obtaining PAL, in effect recursively attemptingto obtain a PAL spectrum grant via the DP or SAS until successful. Itwill be recognized that while certain aspects of the disclosure aredescribed in terms of a specific sequence of steps of a method, thesedescriptions are only illustrative of the broader methods of thedisclosure, and may be modified as required by the particularapplication. Certain steps may be rendered unnecessary or optional undercertain circumstances. Additionally, certain steps or functionality maybe added to the disclosed embodiments, or the order of performance oftwo or more steps permuted. All such variations are considered to beencompassed within the disclosure disclosed and claimed herein.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features of the disclosure as applied to various embodiments,it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changesin the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be madeby those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Thisdescription is in no way meant to be limiting, but rather should betaken as illustrative of the general principles of the disclosure. Thescope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to theclaims.

It will be further appreciated that while certain steps and aspects ofthe various methods and apparatus described herein may be performed by ahuman being, the disclosed aspects and individual methods and apparatusare generally computerized/computer-implemented. Computerized apparatusand methods are necessary to fully implement these aspects for anynumber of reasons including, without limitation, commercial viability,practicality, and even feasibility (i.e., certain steps/processes simplycannot be performed by a human being in any viable fashion).

APPENDIX I LTE frequency bands - TS 36.101 (Rel. 14 Jun. 2017) Downlink(MHz) Bandwidth Uplink (MHz) Duplex Equivalent Low Middle High DL/UL LowMiddle High spacing UMTS Band Name EARFCN¹ (MHz) EARFCN (MHz) band 12100 2110 2140 2170 60 1920 1950 1980 190 1 0 300 599 18000 18300 185992 1900 PCS 1930 1960 1990 60 1850 1880 1910 80 2 600 900 1199 1860018900 19199 3 1800+ 1805 1842.5 1880 75 1710 1747.5 1785 95 3 1200 15751949 19200 19575 19949 4 AWS-1 2110 2132.5 2155 45 1710 1732.5 1755 4004 1950 2175 2399 19950 20175 20399 5 850 869 881.5 894 25 824 836.5 84945 5 2400 2525 2649 20400 20525 20649 6 UMTS only 875 880 885 10 830 835840 45 6 2650 2700 2749 20650 20700 20749 7 2600 2620 2655 2690 70 25002535 2570 120 7 2750 3100 3449 20750 21100 21449 8 900 GSM 925 942.5 96035 880 897.5 915 45 8 3450 3625 3799 21450 21625 21799 9 1800 1844.91862.4 1879.9 35 1749.9 1767.4 1784.9 95 9 3800 3975 4149 21800 2197522149 10 AWS-1+ 2110 2140 2170 60 1710 1740 1770 400 10 4150 4450 474922150 22450 22749 11 1500 Lower 1475.9 1485.9 1495.9 20 1427.9 1437.91447.9 48 11 4750 4850 4949 22750 22850 22949 12 700 a 729 737.5 746 17699 707.5 716 30 12 5010 5095 5179 23010 23095 23179 13 700 c 746 751756 10 777 782 787 −31 13 5180 5230 5279 23180 23230 23279 14 700 PS 758763 768 10 788 793 798 −30 14 5280 5330 5379 23280 23330 23379 17 700 b734 740 746 12 704 710 716 30 5730 5790 5849 23730 23790 23849 18 800Lower 860 867.5 875 15 815 822.5 830 45 5850 5925 5999 23850 23925 2399919 800 Upper 875 882.5 890 15 830 837.5 845 45 19 6000 6075 6149 2400024075 24149 20 800 DD 791 806 821 30 832 847 862 −41 20 6150 6300 644924150 24300 24449 21 1500 Upper 1495.9 1503.4 1510.9 15 1447.9 1455.41462.9 48 21 6450 6525 6599 24450 24525 24599 22 3500 3510 3550 3590 803410 3450 3490 100 22 6600 7000 7399 24600 25000 25399 23 2000 S-band2180 2190 2200 20 2000 2010 2020 180 7500 7600 7699 25500 25600 25699 241600 L-band 1525 1542 1559 34 1626.5 1643.5 1660.5 −101.5 7700 7870 803925700 25870 26039 25 1900+ 1930 1962.5 1995 65 1850 1882.5 1915 80 258040 8365 8689 26040 26365 26689 26 850+ 859 876.5 894 35 814 831.5 84945 26 8690 8865 9039 26690 26865 27039 27 800 SMR 852 860.5 869 17 807815.5 824 45 9040 9125 9209 27040 27125 27209 28 700 APT 758 780.5 80345 703 725.5 748 55 9210 9435 9659 27210 27435 27659 29 700 d 717 722.5728 11 Downlink only 9660 9715 9769 30 2300 WCS 2350 2355 2360 10 23052310 2315 45 9770 9820 9869 27660 27710 27759 31 450 462.5 465 467.5 5452.5 455 457.5 10 9870 9895 9919 27760 27785 27809 32 1500 L-band 14521474 1496 44 Downlink only 32 9920 10140 10359 65 2100+ 2110 2155 220090 1920 1965 2010 190 65536 65986 66435 131072 131522 131971 66 AWS-32110 2155 2200 90/70 1710 1745 1780 400 66436 66886 67335 131972 132322132671 67 700 EU 738 748 758 20 Downlink only 67336 67436 67535 68 700ME 753 768 783 30 698 713 728 55 67536 67686 67835 132672 132822 13297169 2500 2570 2595 2620 50 Downlink only 67836 68086 68335 70 AWS-4 19952007.5 2020 25/15 1695 1702.5 1710 300 68336 68461 68585 132972 133047133121 252 Unlicensed 5150 5200 5250 100 Downlink only NII-1 255144255644 256143 255 Unlicensed 5725 5787.5 5850 125 Downlink only NII-3260894 261519 262143 TDD 33 TD 1900 1900 1910 1920 20 A(lo) 36000 3610036199 34 TD 2000 2010 2017.5 2025 15 A(hi) 36200 36275 36349 35 TD PCSLower 1850 1880 1910 60 B(lo) 36350 36650 36949 36 TD PCS Upper 19301960 1990 60 B(hi) 36950 37250 37549 37 TD PCS 1910 1920 1930 20 CCenter gap 37550 37650 37749 38 TD 2600 2570 2595 2620 50 D 37750 3800038249 39 TD 1900+ 1880 1900 1920 40 F 38250 38450 38649 40 TD 2300 23002350 2400 100 E 38650 39150 39649 41 TD 2500 2496 2593 2690 194 3965040620 41589 42 TD 3500 3400 3500 3600 200 41590 42590 43589 43 TD 37003600 3700 3800 200 43590 44590 45589 44 TD 700 703 753 803 100 4559046090 46589 45 TD 1500 1447 1457 1467 20 46590 46690 46789 46 TDUnlicensed 5150 5537.5 5925 775 46790 50665 54539 47 TD V2X 5855 58905925 70 54540 54890 55239 48 TD 3600 3550 3625 3700 150 55240 5599056739 ¹EUTRA Absolute RF Channel Number

What is claimed is:
 1. Wireless access point apparatus, comprising:digital processor apparatus; at least one transceiver apparatus in datacommunication with the digital processor apparatus and comprising aplurality of antenna elements, each of the plurality of antenna elementconfigured to serve a respective azimuth sector; and computer readableapparatus in data communication with the digital processor apparatus andcomprising a storage medium, the storage medium comprising at least onecomputer program having a plurality of instructions which are configuredto, when executed on the digital processor apparatus, cause the wirelessaccess point apparatus to: generate and transmit data representative ofa message to a computerized network entity to obtain one or more grantsto use radio frequency (RF) spectrum of at least one of a first type ora second, different type; receive data representative of one or moregrant messages enabling use of one or more carrier frequencies of the atleast one of the first type of RF spectrum or the second, different typeof RF spectrum; and configure the at least one transceiver apparatus touse the one or more carrier frequencies within only a subset of theplurality of antenna elements, the configuration of the at least onetransceiver apparatus based at least in part on (i) the one or morecarrier frequencies being of the at least one of the first type of RFspectrum or the second type of RF spectrum, and (ii) one or more metricsrelating to at least one of: a) user traffic density on a per-sectorbasis, or b) at least one of user device handover frequency or userdevice handover density.
 2. The wireless access point apparatus of claim1, wherein: the computerized network entity comprises at least one of aCBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) domain proxy (DP) or spectrumallocation system (SAS); the first type of RF spectrum comprisesquasi-licensed CBRS GAA (General Authorized Access) spectrum; and thesecond type of RF spectrum comprises quasi-licensed CBRS PAL (priorityaccess licensed) spectrum.
 3. The wireless access point apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein: the computerized network entity comprises at least oneof a CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) domain proxy (DP) orspectrum allocation system (SAS); the one or more carrier frequenciescomprise a CBRS PAL (priority access licensed) spectrum; and the CBRSPAL spectrum is preferentially assigned, as part of the configuration,to one or more sectors comprising a highest one of the at least one ofa) the user traffic density on the per-sector basis, orb) the at leastone of the user device handover frequency or user device handoverdensity.
 4. Wireless access point apparatus, comprising: digitalprocessor apparatus; at least one wireless transceiver apparatus in datacommunication with the digital processor apparatus and comprising aplurality of antenna elements, each of the plurality of antenna elementconfigured to serve a respective azimuth sector; and computer readableapparatus in data communication with the digital processor apparatus andcomprising a storage medium, the storage medium comprising at least onecomputer program having a plurality of instructions which are configuredto, when executed on the digital processor apparatus, cause the wirelessaccess point apparatus to: generate and transmit data representative ofa message to obtain one or more grants to use radio frequency (RF)spectrum of at least one of a first type or a second, different typefrom a computerized network entity; receive data representative of oneor more grants enabling use of one or more carrier frequencies of the atleast one of the first type of RF spectrum or the second, different typeof RF spectrum; obtain data relating to at least one electrical powersupply in communication with said wireless access point; and configurethe at least one wireless transceiver apparatus to use the one or morecarrier frequencies within only a subset of the plurality of antennaelements, the configuration of the at least one wireless transceiverapparatus based at least in part on the one or more carrier frequenciesbeing of the at least one of the first type of RF spectrum or the secondtype of RF spectrum, the configuration of the at least one transceiverapparatus comprising utilization of the obtained data relating to the atleast one electrical power supply to determine at least one aspect ofthe configuration of the at least one transceiver apparatus.
 5. Thewireless access point apparatus of claim 4, wherein: the configurationof the at least one transceiver apparatus is further based at least inpart on one metric relating to at least one of a) user traffic density,or b) user device handovers; the computerized network entity comprisesat least one of a CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) domain proxy(DP) or spectrum allocation system (SAS); the one or more carrierfrequencies comprise a CBRS PAL (priority access licensed) spectrum; andthe plurality of instructions are further configured to, when executedon the digital processor apparatus, cause the wireless access pointapparatus to preferentially assign one or more sectors having a highestone of the at least one of a) the user traffic density, or b) the userdevice handovers, to the CBRS PAL spectrum as part of the configuration.6. The wireless access point apparatus of claim 4, wherein: the at leastone wireless transceiver apparatus comprises a plurality of transceiverapparatus associated with respective ones of the one or more sectors;and the determination of at least one aspect of the configuration of theat least one wireless transceiver apparatus comprises a determination onwhether energization of a prescribed number of the one or more sectorsand associated transceiver apparatus of the plurality of transceiverapparatus simultaneously meets one or more prescribed criteria relatingto electrical power consumption.
 7. The wireless access point apparatusof claim 4, wherein the plurality of antenna elements are eachconfigured to operate at least within a prescribed frequency band of3.55-3.70 GHz inclusive.
 8. The wireless access point apparatus of claim7, wherein the utilization of the obtained data relating to the at leastone electrical power supply to determine at least one aspect of theconfiguration of the at least one transceiver apparatus comprisesutilization of obtained power availability or limit data to determinewhether at least a portion of the at least one transceiver apparatusoperates as a CBRS Category A CBSD (Citizens Broadband Radio ServiceDevice) or Category B CBSD.
 9. The wireless access point apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the plurality of antenna elements each comprise acentral radiation axis, the central radiation axis of each of theplurality of antenna elements being adjustable so as to enable differentpatterns of coverage by the respective azimuth sectors of the pluralityof antenna elements in combination.
 10. The wireless access pointapparatus of claim 4, wherein the configuration of the at least onetransceiver apparatus is further based on a number of random accessrequests in each of the respective azimuth sectors of the plurality ofantenna elements.
 11. A computerized method of operating a wirelessaccess point comprising a plurality of sectors, the computerized methodcomprising: causing registration of at least a portion of the pluralityof sectors with a network spectrum allocation entity; determining datarelating to handover requests associated with different wireless cells,the determining comprising determining one or more physical cellidentities (PCIs) associated with respective ones of the differentwireless cells; based at least on the determined data, obtaining datarelating to at least one location of at least one of the differentwireless cells, the obtaining of the data relating to the at least onelocation comprising contacting the network spectrum allocation entity toobtain data relating to the at least one of the different wireless cellsbased at least on the determined one or more PCIs; and based at least onthe obtained data relating to the at least one location, causingselective activation of at least one of the plurality of sectors, theactivated at least one of the plurality of sectors comprising at leastone activated sector encompassing the at least one location within anazimuth of coverage of the at least one activated sector.
 12. Thecomputerized method of claim 11, wherein the causing of the selectiveactivation of the at least one of the plurality of sectors comprises:obtaining data relating to an interference level associated with the atleast one of the plurality of sectors; and based at least in part on theobtained data relating to the interference level, causing request of aspectrum grant of at least one of (i) a first type of generallyaccessible spectrum; or (ii) a second type of restricted accessspectrum.
 13. The computerized method of claim 12, wherein the causingrequest of the spectrum grant of the at least one of (i) the first typeof the generally accessible spectrum; or (ii) the second type of therestricted access spectrum comprises: determining based at least on theobtained data relating to the interference level that an interferencelevel of the at least one of the plurality of sectors is greater than athreshold amount; and based at least on the determining based at leaston the obtained data relating to the interference level, causing requestof a spectrum grant of the second type of the restricted access spectrumonly.
 14. The computerized method of claim 12, wherein: the networkspectrum allocation entity comprises at least one of a CBRS (CitizensBroadband Radio Service) domain proxy (DP) or spectrum allocation system(SAS); the first type of the generally accessible spectrum comprisesquasi-licensed CBRS GAA (general authorized access) spectrum; and thesecond type of the restricted access spectrum comprises quasi-licensedCBRS PAL (priority access licensed) spectrum.
 15. The computerizedmethod of claim 11, wherein the determining data relating to handoverrequests comprises determining a plurality of 3GPP (Third GenerationPartnership Project) RACH (random access channel) requests via theplurality of sectors; and receiving physical cell identity (PCI) datafrom at least one computerized user device; wherein: the obtaining thedata relating to the at least one location of the at least one of thedifferent wireless cells comprises obtaining data relating to a locationassociated with the determined one or more PCIs based at least on thereceived PCI data; and the causing of the selective activation of the atleast one of the plurality of sectors is based at least on the obtaineddata relating to the location associated with the determined one or morePCIs.
 16. The computerized method of claim 11, further comprising:obtaining data relating to at least one electrical power supplycapability for electrical power service to the wireless access point;and utilizing the obtained data relating to the at least one electricalpower supply capability to configure the causing of the selectiveactivation of the at least one of the plurality of sectors according toone of a first power level or a second power level, the second powerlevel higher than the first power level.
 17. The computerized method ofclaim 16, wherein the utilizing the obtained data relating to the atleast one electrical power supply capability to configure the causing ofthe selective activation of the at least one of the plurality of sectorsaccording to one of the first power level or the second power levelcomprises utilizing data indicative of sufficient electrical power tosupport CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) Category B CBSD(Citizens Broadband Service Radio Device) operation to cause activationaccording to the second power level, the second power at or below a CBRSCategory B EIRP (effective isotropic radiated power) limit, but above aCBRS Category A EIRP limit.
 18. A non-transitory computer readableapparatus comprising at least one storage medium, the at least onestorage medium comprising at least one computer program configured to,when executed on a processing apparatus of a multi-sector base stationapparatus, cause selective activation of one or more sectors of themulti-sector base station apparatus by at least: registration with anetwork spectrum allocation entity of each of a plurality of sectors ofthe multi-sector base station apparatus; obtainment of data relating toat least one PCI (physical cell identifier) within a coverage area ofone or more of the plurality of sectors; determination of aninterference level associated with one or more of the plurality ofsectors; based at least on the obtained data and the determination ofthe interference level, issuance of data representative of a request tothe network spectrum allocation entity for assignment of a prescribedclass of quasi-licensed spectrum to be utilized in a subsequentactivation of the one or more of the plurality of sectors; determinationof an available electrical power level; and determination, based atleast in part on the determined power level, of an appropriate radiatedpower level for the subsequent activation of one or more of theplurality of sectors; wherein: the multi-sector base station apparatuscomprises one of a cluster or a plurality of 3GPP-LTE (Long TermEvolution) or 5G NR (New Radio) compliant commonly powered small-cellsoperated by at least one of a cable, terrestrial or satellite multiplesystems operator (MSO); and the network spectrum allocation entitycomprises a CBRS SAS (Spectrum Allocation System).
 19. Thenon-transitory computer readable apparatus of claim 18, wherein theselective activation of the one or more sectors of the multi-sector basestation comprises selective activation of at least one of a CBRS(Citizens Broadband Radio Service) Category B CBSD (Citizens BroadbandService Radio Device), or a CBRS Category B CBSD.
 20. The non-transitorycomputer readable apparatus of claim 18, wherein the at least onecomputer program is further configured to, when executed on theprocessing apparatus of the multi-sector base station apparatus, causethe selective activation of the one or more sectors of the multi-sectorbase station apparatus further by: receipt of data representative of aprotocol message from a computerized network node, the datarepresentative of the protocol message comprising an information element(IE) directed to the multi-sector base station specifying one of PAL(priority access licensed) or GAA (general authorized access)availability in respective different areas or sectors of individual onesof the at least one of the cluster or the plurality of 3GPP-LTE or 5G NRcompliant commonly powered small-cells, the data representative of theprotocol message causing the multi-sector base station to select RFcarriers for the respective different areas or sectors.
 21. Thenon-transitory computer readable apparatus of claim 18, wherein themulti-sector base station is disposed at a premises of a subscriber ofthe at least one of the cable, terrestrial or satellite MSO so as toenable backhaul for wireless local area network WLAN or wirelineinterfaces within the premises.